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THE 

KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

COMPLETE 

MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK, 

CONTAINING 

THE HISTORY, DEFENCE, PRINCIPLES, AND GOVERNMENT OF THE ORDER; THE 
LESSONS OF EACH RANK, AND DUTIES INCIDENT TO EVERY STATION AND 
OFFICE IN SUBORDINATE LODGES ; WITH GEMS OF KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS, IN 
PROSE AND POETRY ; DIRECTIONS AND FORMS FOR LAYING CORNER-STONES, 
DEDICATING CASTLE-HALLS, AND MARSHALING PROCESSIONS; SHORT BIO- 
GRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF PROMINENT MEN IN THE ORDER; EXTRACTS 
FROM REPORTS OF SUPREME AND GRAND CHANCELLORS ; FULL STATISTICS, 
SHOWING MEMBERSHIP AND AMOUNTS EXPENDED FOR CHARITABLE PUR- 
POSES SINCE ITS ORGANIZATION, ON THE I9TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, 1 864; 
CONSTITUTIONS OF THE VARIOUS GRAND JURISDICTIONS; THE MOST IM- 
PORTANT BUSINESS FORMS; ODES, WITH MUSIC, FOR VARIOUS OCCASIONS; 
AUTOGRAPHIC LETTERS, ON VARIOUS TOPICS, BY DISTINGUISHED MEN IN 
THE ORDER; DIGEST OF THE DECISIONS OF THE SUPREME CHANCELLORS; 
DIGEST OF THE LEGISLATION OF THE SUPREME LODGE OF THE WORLD; 
CONSTITUTION OF THE SUPREME LODGE OF THE WORLD; RULES OF 
ORDER, ETC. 



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WITH PORTRAITS OF PROMINENT KNIGHTS, THE EMBLEMS AND 

"JEWELS OF THE ORDER, CERTIFICATES OF MEMBERSHIP, 

REGALIA, UNIFORMS, AND REGULATION BANNERS. 



BY 

JNO. VAN VALKENBURG, 



i 

PAST GRAND CHANCELLOR AND SUPREME REPRESENTATIVE. 






PHILADELPHIA : 

MOSS & COMPANY, 

No. 432 Chestnut Street. 
1877. 






HSt2.iG 



Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1877, by 

MOSS & CO., 
in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



* J. FAGAN & SON, *J 

, ELECTROTYPERS, PHrLAD'A. ^/, 

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PRINTED BY HENRY B. ASHMEAD. 




TO 

Hon. S. S. DAVIS, 

SUPREME CHANCELLOR OF THE WORLD, 

WHOSE PURITY OF LIFE AND EXALTED WORTH AS A CITIZEN AND 
OFFICER, AND WHOSE ZEAL, INVALUABLE SERVICES, AND UN- 
WAVERING FIDELITY TO THE GRAND AND ENNOBLING 
PRINCIPLES OF OUR BELOVED ORDER HAVE WON 
ENCOMIUMS FROM ALL TRUE KNIGHTS, 

THIS WORK 



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^PHE rise of the Knights of Pythias must ever be regarded as one 
* of the leading social events of modern times. It is a system of 
organized, mutual relief, based on the glorious trinity of Friendship, 
Charity, and Benevolence, inculcating, in a most impressive and 
thrilling manner, its cardinal doctrines through the instrumentality 
of charges, symbols, and usages. 

The present volume is published with a view of disseminating a 
knowledge of the intrinsic excellencies of this noble Order, and to 
render familiar its origin, tenets, miraculous growth, forms, and cere- 
monies to those who may scan its pages. 

Masonry, Odd-Fellowship, and Pythian Knighthood are all links 
of one chain, and powerful agencies in the refinement, culture, and 
elevation of fallen man. Our great exemplars lived and flourished 
,on the plains of Sicily, two thousand years ago; and though their 
bodies have long since mouldered into dust, their spirits and deeds 
survive them, and to-day animate and fire the hearts of over one 
hundred thousand chivalric Knights, 

We make this feeble offering for the purpose of inducing men to 
study our principles, usages, symbolism, philosophy, and history more 
critically, and to enlist more scholarly pens in their defence and elu- 
cidation. 

Damon and Pythias, by a simple illustration of the spirit and teach- 
ings of Pythagorean philosophy, wreathed their names with chaplets 
of imperishable glory, and 

" Earned names that win 
Happy remembrance from the great and good ; 
Names that shall sink not in oblivion's flood, 
But with clear music, like a church-bell's chime, 
Sound through the river's sweep of onward-rushing time." 



VI PREFACE. 

Republics, empires, and men, under the inexorable law of decay 
and change, sink into the dark sea of oblivion ; but the principles of 
our Ritual are eternal. We treat man as a social being, and do not 
seek to affect his religious faith, or his obligations to his family or the 
State. The jewels that we garner are the tears we wipe away, and 
the sorrows we assuage. 

Our annual revenues now reach one million of dollars, and our 
Lodges number nearly sixteen hundred, and the Order continues its 
onward progress as an unfaltering minister to the ills of life, and as 
a sympathizing friend of humanity. It is "Like a tree planted by the 
rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season ; his leaf 
also shall not wither ; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." 

In thirteen years it has attained the rank of the third charitable or- 
der of the earth, and its growth is unparalleled in the annals of secret 
societies. The beautiful historic incident on which our noble founder 
erected this Pythian temple, has rung out like a silver bell through 
the storms of all the centuries ; from whose music humanity shall 
catch fresh inspiration, and, toiling upward through the shadowy 
years, shall stand erect, at last, upon the mount of its transfigura- 
tion. Misfortune, misery, and death are in the earth, and are writ- 
ten in fearful emblems on the broad face of creation. We strive in 
the battle of life to uplift the fallen ; to champion humanity ; to be 
the true friend of man ; to be his guide and hope ; his refuge, shelter, 
and defence ; softening down the asperities of life ; subduing party 
spirit ; and, by the sweet and powerful attractions of Friendship, 
Charity, and Benevolence, binding in one harmonious brotherhood 
men of all classes and all opinions. 

The strongest language of gratitude would but feebly express my 
obligations to the leading Knights of the country for their unwearied 
courtesies and manifold acts of kindness to me, during the prepara- 
tion of this Manual and Text-Book. 

Fort Madison, Iowa, 
March 31, 1877. 





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PAGE 



Sketch of the Organization and History of K. of P. 13 

Synopsis of the Origin and History of the K. of P. 54 

Objects and Aims of Knights of Pythias 56 

Constitution of Supreme Lodge K. of P 61 

By-Laws of Supreme Lodge K. of P. 89 

Rules of Order 91 

General Laws of the Order 96 

Appeals, 96 ; Ballot, 96 ; Benefits, 97 ; Cards, 97 ; Ceremonies, etc., 
98; Charters, 98; Communications, 99 ; Constitutions and Laws, 
100; Dues and Suspensions, 100; Meetings, 101 ; Officers — Eli- 
gibility of, 101 ; Officers — Duties of, 103; Passwords, 103; Pen- 
alties and Prohibitions, 103; Phraseology, 104; Privilege, 105; 
Regalia, 106; Register, 106; Rank and Membership, 107; Seal, 
108; Miscellaneous, 108; Decisions made since the Semi-Annual 
Session, and which are Law until Revoked by the Grand Lodge, 
109. 

Extract from Supreme Chancellor's Report, 1875 IIX 

Supreme Lodge K. of P., Session of 1876 112 

Proceedings of the Supreme Lodge 115 

Supreme Chancellor's Report, August, 1876 117 

Installation of Officers of Supreme Lodge of the 

World 163 

vii 



Vlll CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

The Centennial Demonstration of the K. of P 165 

Manual of the K. of P 202 

The First or Initiatory Rank of Page 202 

The Second or Armorial Rank of Esquire 204 

The Third or Chivalric Rank of Knight 205 

The Subordinate Lodge 208 

How Commenced, 208; Petition, 210; Institution, 210; First Busi- 
ness Meeting, 211 ; Opening Lodge, 211 ; Work, with Order of 
Business, 212; Closing Lodge, 214; Work out of the Lodge, 214; 
Form of Minutes, 215; Synopsis of Parliamentary Law, 216. 

Duties and Deportment of Knights 218 

Lodge Attendance, 218; Dues, 220; Debate, 221; Correct Work- 
ing, 221; Voting and Balloting, 222; Duties to Self, Family, and 
Others, 223. 

Committees... 224 

General Duties of Committees, 224; Investigating Committee, 225 ; 
Committee on Finance, 226; Auditing Committee, 227 ; Com- 
mittee to Visit the Sick, 227 ; Trustees, 227 ; Relief Committees, 
228. 

Appointive Officers 230 

Attendants, 231 ; Outer Guard, 231; Inner Guard, 232 ; Master-at- 
Arms, 232. 

Elective Officers 233 

Keeper of Records and Seal, 233 ; Master of Finance, 234 ; Master 
of Exchequer, 236; Prelate, 237 ; Vice Chancellor, 237; Chan- 
cellor Commander, 238 ; Past Chancellor, 239. 

Grand Lodges 240 

How Commenced and Constituted, 240; Members and Represen- 
tatives, 241; Officers, 242; Grand Outer Guard, 244; Grand In- 
ner Guard, 245; Grand Master- at- Arms, 245; Grand Keeper of 
Records and Seal, 245 ; Grand Master of Exchequer, 246 ; Grand 
Prelate, 246 ; Grand Vice Chancellor, 246 ; District Deputy Grand 
Chancellor, 247 ; Grand Chancellor, 247 ; Past Grand Chancellor, 
248. 



CONTENTS. IX 

PAGE 

Supreme Lodge 248 

Its Powers, how Constituted and Supported, 248; Officers, 250; 
Supreme Outer Guard, 250 ; Supreme Inner Guard, 25 1 ; Su- 
preme Master-at-Arms, 25 1 ; Supreme Keeper of Records and 
Seal, 251; Supreme Master of Exchequer, 252; Supreme Prel- 
ate, 253; Supreme Vice Chancellor, 253; Supreme Chancellor, 
253; Deputy Supreme Chancellor, 254; Past Supreme Chan- 
cellor, 255; Regalia and Jewels of other Members, 255. 

Funerals 256 

Regalia, 256; Order of Procession, 256; Funeral Services, 257. 

Uniforms 259 

Full Gala and Inspection Dress, 259; Ordinary Parade Dress, 259; 
Fatigue Dress, 259. 

Specifications: — Coat, 259; Pantaloons, 259 ; Cloak, 259; Hel- 
met, 260; Plume, 261; Cap, 261 ; Escutcheon and Lace, 261; 
Baldric, 262; Belt, 262; Sword, 262; Gauntlets, 263. 

Emblems of Official Rank 263 

Shoulder-Straps for Officers: — Supreme and Past Supreme 
Chancellors, 263 ; Past Grand Chancellor, 264 ; Grand Chan- 
cellor, 264; All other Grand Officers, 264; Past Chancellor, 
265 ; Chancellor Commander, 265 ; Vice Chancellor, 265 ; Other 
Subordinate Lodge Officers, 265 ; Distinctions, 266. 

The Flag of the Order , 266 

The Banner of the Order 267 

Odes and Chants for the Order of K. of P 268 

Opening Ode, 268; Closing Ode, 270; Initiatory Anthem, 272; In- 
stallation Ode (for Subordinate Lodges), 273; Dedication Ode, 
274; Installation Ode (for Supreme and Grand Officers), 276; 
"Welcome Song, 276; March for First Degree, 278; March for 
Second Degree, 279 ; March for Third Degree, 280 ; Grand 
March (for Reception of Grand Officers or Installation), 281; 
Clasp Hand in Hand, 282 ; United Now, 283 ; Grand Rallying 
Song, 284; Grand March of the K. of P., 286. 



CONTENTS. 



Blank Forms Used by K. of P 292 

Form of Records of a Meeting, 292; Petition for Dispensation to 
Establish a Lodge, 293; Dispensation to Institute a Lodge, 294; 
Application for Membership, 295; Application for Rank of Es- 
quire, 296 ; Application for Rank of Knight, 297 ; Certificate of 
Membership, 297; Admission by Card, 298; Reinstatement, 299; 
Committee Notice, 300; Notification of Election, 300; Notifica- 
tion of Rejection, 301 ; Notification of Indebtedness, 301 ; Noti- 
fication of Suspension, 302 ; Official Receipt for Dues, 302 ; Noti- 
fication of Reinstatement, 303 ; Notice of Rejections, Suspensions, 
etc., 303; Notification of Attendance, 304; Officers and Commit- 
tees, 304 ; Summons, 305 ; Application for Dispensation, 305 ; 
Application for Installation, 306; Certificate of Good Standing, 
306 ; Past Chancellor Credential, 307 ; Past Chancellor's Trans- 
fer Credential, 308 ; Representative Credential, 309 ; Petition for 
Charter, 310; Application for Card, 311 ; District Deputy Grand 
Chancellor's Commission, 312. 

Public Form of Installation for Subordinate Lodges. 313 
Names and Residences of Grand Officers, Etc 323 



Grand Jur 



sdiction of Arkansas 333 

" " California 334 

" " Colorado.... 341 

" " Delaware 344 

" " Georgia 346 

" " Illinois 364 

" " Indiana 368 

" " Iowa 370 

" " Kansas 390 

" " Louisiana , 394 

" " Maryland 395 

" " Michigan 397 

" " Minnesota 402 

" lt Mississippi 404 



CONTENTS. 



XI 

PAGE 



Grand Jurisdiction of Missouri 405 

" Nebraska 407 

" Nevada 407 

" Ohio 410 

" Pennsylvania 413 

" Rhode Island 420 

" Tennessee 424 

i: Texas 431 

" Virginia 433 

Jurisdiction of Quebec , 434 

Province of Ontario, Canada 435 

Hawaaian Islands 435 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Justus H. Rathbone, Founder of the Order of K. of P.. 442 

Hon. S. S. Davis, S. C 445 

William L. La Rose, P. G. C. & S. R 448 

M. H. McNary, D. S. C... 450 

David Royal, P. C... 451 

David Benjamin Woodruff, S. V. C 451 

Will T. Walker 454 

N. C. Potter, G. K. of R. & S 457 

S. P. Oyler, S. R 458 

H. H. Morrison, S. R 459 

Hon. Erie J. Leech, P. G. C. & S. R 460 

H. W. Dodd, D. G. C 462 

Homer D. Cope... 463 

Edward L. Bartlett, P. G. C. & S. R 465 

John Trump, P. G. C. & S. R 466 

J. W. Mavity, P. C 467 



Xll CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

Dr. Geo. W. Griffiths, P. G. C. & S. R 468 

Henry M. Small, D. S. C 468 

Judge G. W. Lindsay, P. G. C. & S. R 469 

Col. Samuel Sands Mills, P. G. C. & S. R 470 

Charles D. Lucas, G. C 478 

Hon. Jno. P. Swygard, G. K. of R. & S 479 

S. H. Goddard, P. G. C. & S. R 479 

Hon. Samuel Read, P. S. C 481 

Hon. Stephen D. Young, P. G. C 482 

Jacob H. Heisser, P. G. C. & S. R 483 

Robert Allen Champion 484 

Abram G. Levy, M. D., P. G. C. & S. R 485 

Wm. Henry Burnett 489 

David L. Burnett 490 

Augustus C. Ulrich, P. G. C. & S. R 491 

Edward S. Kimball, M. D 491 

Hon. H. D. Walker, P. G. C. and G. K. of R. & S 492 

Dr. John S. King 494 

Col. Edward Badger, P. G. C 495 

Charles A. Lee, G. C 497 

Hon. P. S. Wren, G. C 498 

Alexander Allison, P. G. C. & S. R 499 

In Memoriam — Samuel H. Hines, the Pythian Martyr... 500 





THE 

KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 
COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 



A Sketch of the Organization and History of 
the Knights of Pythias. 

PERHAPS no other charitable organization in the country- 
has labored under greater disadvantages, and brought forth 
more beneficial results. Organized during the heat of the 
late civil strife, when society was in a disrupted state, it has 
steadily advanced in numbers and in importance, and is now 
in a flourishing and prosperous condition. The beautiful lesson 
of friendship between Damon and Pythias is sought to be 
practically taught by a ritual which, for beauty and perspicuity 
of language, cannot be surpassed. The strong ties with which 
the members of the Order are bound together, the interesting 
and attractive ceremonies of the degrees, the unfailing interest 
shown for the welfare of the Order, and the generous manner 
in which the membership have ever responded to the appeals 
for charity have endeared their hearts more firmly to its prin- 
ciples, and taught them to believe that "true friendship can 
exist." 

As the early history of the Order cannot fail to be interesting, 
I have collected from the books in possession of the Grand 
Lodge, sufficient to show its organization and progress. 

2 13 



1 4 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

. The first record appearing upon the books of Washington 
Lodge, No. i, reads as follows : 

"Washington, D. C, Feb. 19, 1864, 

" At ' Temperance Hall,' 

" Friday Evening. 
" Upon agreement, a number of gentlemen met, and after some conversa- 
tion upon the subject, they were called to order, and upon motion of Mr. J. 
H. Rathbone a chairman of the meeting was proposed, and Mr. J. T. K. 
Plant was unanimously called to the chair, and D. L. Burnett nominated 
as Secretary. After organizing as above, the object of the meeting was 
stated by Mr. Rathbone to be the organization or foundation of a society, 
its business and operations to be of a secret character, having for its ulti- 
mate object Friendship, Benevolence, and Charity. Before proceeding 
further, those present were requested to subscribe to an oath, laid down after- 
wards in the Initiatory. All present having signified their willingness to do 
so, the same was administered to them, by reading the same, by J. H. Rath- 
bone. After the taking of the oath, on motion, it was resolved that this 
Order be styled the Knights of Pythias.'''' 

On motion a committee was appointed to prepare a Ritual of 
opening and closing a Lodge, and of initiation into the same. 
The Chair appointed as said committee Brother J. H. Rath- 
bone, who reported a Ritual, which, upon being read, was 
adopted. After the adoption of the Ritual, the Lodge went 
into an election for officers, with the following result : 

Brother J. H. Rathbone, Worthy Chancellor ; Brother Joel 
R. Woodruff, Vice -Chancellor ; Brother J. T. K. Plant, Venerable 
Patriarch ; Brother D. L. Burnett, Worthy Scribe ; Brother A. 
Van Der Veer, Banker ; Brother R. A. Champion, Assistant 
Banker ; Brother George R. Covert, Assistant Scribe. 

The following officers were appointed by the Worthy Chan- 
cellor : Brothers M. H. Van Der Veer as Worthy Guide, A. 
Roderigue as Inside Steward, and as Choral Knights, Brothers 
Kimball, Roberts, D. L. and W. H. Burnett. 

On motion the Worthy Chancellor appointed the following 
committee to prepare a Ritual for the First Degree, (now the 
Second Degree,) signs, etc. : Brothers Kimball* Champion, and 
W. H. Burnett, V. P. J. T. K. Plant, and W. C. J. H. Rath- 



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COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 15 

bone as chairman, added. Committees were then appointed 
to procure regalias, appliances, etc., after which the first meet- 
ing of the Order adjourned to meet again on the evening of the 
23d of the same month to perfect the organization. 

At the next meeting (on the 23d) the Committee on Degree 
Ritual presented a report, which was adopted, and ordered to 
be the will of the Lodge, and the committee discharged. 

The various committees appointed at the previous meeting 
also reported, and a committee was appointed to procure a seal. 

At the next meeting (27th February) various applications were 
received for membership. It also appears that at this meeting a 
committee of three, consisting of V. C. Woodruff, W. C. Rath- 
bone, and Brother D. L. Burnett was appointed to prepare a 
Ritual of the Second (now the Third) Degree, which was soon 
after prepared by the committee, presented to the Lodge, and 
adopted. At the meeting on the 24th of March, the Lodge 
proceeded to an election for officers to serve the ensuing 
quarter, and in addition to the officers elected, Brothers Wood- 
ruff, M. A. Van Der Veer, and Roderigue were elected Repre- 
sentatives to the Grand Lodge, which was organized on the 
8th of April by members of Washington Lodge. On the 21st 
of April, at a regular meeting of Washington Lodge, Brother 
'J. H. Rathbone's resignation of office and membership in the 
Order was presented, read, and accepted. 

Brother Rathbone, at the time of his resignation, occupied the 
position of Venerable Patriarch, he having been the first Chan- 
cellor of Washington Lodge. The fact of being a Past Chan- 
cellor, it would seem, did not require him to fill the office of 
Venerable Patriarch, for after his resignation was received and 
accepted, the Lodge went into an election to fill the vacancy, 
and Brother D. L. Burnett, formerly a Scribe of the Lodge, 
was elected and duly installed into the office. The minutes of 
the Lodge up to this time indicate that the office of Venerable 
Patriarch was the third office in the Lodge, the duties of which 
were to deliver the obligations and open and close the Lodge 
with prayer. The Degrees were at this time known as the Initi- 
atory and First and Second Degrees. 



1 6 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

The Grand Lodge, which was organized on the 8th of April, 
with J. T. K. Plant as Grand Chancellor, and A. Van Der Veer 
as Grand Scribe, set about forming Lodges elsewhere, and prov- 
identially succeeded in locating one at the Navy-Yard, known 
as Franklin Lodge, No. 2, with the following Charter members : 

Robert I. Middleton, Venerable Patriarch ; Daniel Carrigan, 
Worthy Chancellor ; Edw. Fox, Vice- Chancellor ; Clarence M. 
Barton, Scribe ; James Gill, Banker ; Nicholas Wayson, Guide ; 
Joseph H. Lawrence, Inner Steward ; Hudson Pettit, Outer 
Steward ; Edward Dunn, James W. Kelly, Jasper Scott, George 
Norton, J. H. Wheeler. 

The Lodge was duly instituted on the 12th of April, at the 
Anacostia Engine House, by the officers of the Grand Lodge. 

The history of this Lodge needs no comment. It is the 
history of the Order, which it saved from destruction after her 
sister Lodges around her had ceased to exist. From its very organ- 
ization the members took a lively interest' in its welfare, and deter- 
mined that it should become the " Excelsior Lodge " of the Order. 
For nearly eight months it struggled along, the only Lodge of 
the Order in the country ; its little membership meeting with 
rebuffs and sarcasms, and, worse than this, the stinging sin of 
ingratitude from the hands of one who had solemnly sworn to 
maintain and defend its principles. 

On the 19th of May, 1864, the Grand Lodge organized 
Columbia Lodge, No. 3, located at Temperance Hall ; on the 
2d of June, Potomac Lodge, No. 4, was also organized at Temper- 
ance Hall, and afterwards located at Island Hall, on the Island ; 
on the 1 st of February, 1865, Alexandria Lodge, No. 1, of 
Virginia, was organized through the efforts of Brother John H. 
King, of Franklin Lodge, then engaged in the United States 
naval service near Alexandria. Brother King was appointed 
Deputy Grand Chancellor of the State of Virginia. 

The Lodges were at this time in a bad financial condition, 
but doing as well as could be expected under the circumstances. 
Potomac and Columbia Lodges ceased holding meetings in the 
latter part of April in consequence of being unable to secure a 
quorum; the minutes of Washington Lodge also show that for 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 1 7 

months at a time no meetings were held, in consequence of not 
being able to secure the number of members necessary to trans- 
act business. Alexandria Lodge ceased holding meetings in 
July, and at the annual session of the Grand Lodge in June, 
1865, but two Lodges were represented, Washington and 
Franklin. 

At that session the following Grand Officers were elected and 
installed : 

Clarence M. Barton, No. 2, Grand Chancellor; Joseph H. 
Lawrence, No. 2, Vice Grand Chancellor; Edward Dunn, No. 
2, Grand Marshal; Wm. Whitney, No. 1, Scribe ; Dr. J. R. 
Keasbey, No. 1, Banker; John W. Cross, No. 2, Herald; A. 
Van Der Veer, No. 1, Prelate; R. V. Henry, No. 1, Inner 
Guardian; J. Titcomb, No. 1, Outer Guardian. 

The Grand Lodge held its last session on the 13th of June, 
1865; Washington Lodge, No. 1, ceased holding meetings 
in July of the same year, and petitioned Franklin Lodge to re- 
ceive the members who were in good standing at the dissolution 
of the Lodge ; which was done a short while afterward. A few 
of them were members of Potomac Lodge that had been received 
in membership in a similar manner by Washington Lodge. 
Franklin Lodge, No. 2, upon the 1st of August, 1865, was the 
only Lodge in existence, the Grand Lodge having become de- 
funct from necessity — it not being deemed advisable to con- 
tinue its organization with but one Subordinate Lodge. Frank- 
lin Lodge, however, exercised all the functions of a Grand 
Lodge, its past officers installing the newly elected officers of 
their Lodge each quarter. The work, regalia, etc., in possession 
of Washington Lodge at the time of its decease were turned over 
to Franklin Lodge on the 28th of September, upon the payment 
of ^ l8 *75t tn e sum necessary to pay one quarter's rent of hall 
due by that Lodge. 

At the close of the year 1865 Franklin Lodge was in a pros- 
perous condition, with a membership of nearly sixty, and nearly 
$200 in the treasury. They had sustained a loss during the year, 
through their Banker, of $255.55. 

At the beginning of the year 1866, the membership made a 



1 8 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

determined effort to either resuscitate the old Lodges or estab- 
lish new ones. The business of the Order had heretofore been 
conducted in the Knight Degree, but by resolution of the 
Lodge, on the 5th of March, " it was ordered that after the last 
meeting in that month all business, except the conferring de- 
grees, should be done in the Page Degree." During this month 
the Constitution of the Lodge was revised, and two hundred 
copies printed and circulated. The funds on hand at the expira- 
tion of the first quarter in 1866 were still very small, amounting 
to but $123.45. 

At a regular meeting, April 2, Financial Scribe Thomas 
Hamilton moved that a committee of five be appointed to 
canvass the city for the purpose of organizing a new Lodge of 
the Order. The following committee was appointed : Brothers 
Hamilton, Lawson, Cook, King, and Schlief. At the next 
regular meeting, April 9, the committee reported having pro- 
cured fifteen names in favor of forming a new Lodge, and on 
the next meeting night, 18th of April, a charter was granted 
Mount Vernon Lodge, No. 5, by the Past Chancellors of 
Franklin Lodge, and the members duly initiated and instructed 
in the rites and ceremonies of the Order. The following offi- 
cers of this Lodge were installed : 

John I. Downs, Venerable Patriarch; Wm. L. Childs, 
Worthy Chancellor ; John Daughton, Vice- Chancellor ; George 
Schultz, Recording Scribe ; Richard T. Sears, Financial Scribe ; 
John Griggs, Banker ; Wm. A. Cooper, Guide ; Charles Gar- 
diner, Inner Steward ; John Bauman, Outer Steward. 

The installation work was revised, and a committee appointed 
to prepare a design for regalia. A committee was also appointed 
to write copies of the Ritual for Mount Vernon Lodge. 

The Ritual in use at the time, and from the foundation of 
the Order, was in manuscript, and in but few respects like 
the present one. At the close of each degree there was no 
charge or lecture, save an impromptu lecture at the close of the 
Second Degree, then styled the First. The grips, signs, etc., 
were imperfect, and the obligations but repetitions of each other. 

On the 30th of April, 1866, the following petition was re- 
ceived in Franklin Lodge : 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 1 9 

" Washington, D. C. 

"Franklin Lodge, No. 2. 
" Officers and Brothers : 

" I respectfully make application for membership in Franklin Lodge, No. 
2. Having been the sole originator of the Order, and a member in good 
standing of Washington Lodge, No. 1, now defunct, I make this application 
from a pure love of the Order and a desire to see it prosper, and I wish to 
devote my energies to the above purpose. 

" Respectfully yours, in F., C, and B., 

" P. C. J. H. RATHBONE." 

P. C.'s J. W. Cross, King, and Barton as a committee ex- 
amined the application, reported favorable, and it was unani- 
mously received. P. C.'s Dunn, Cross, and Barton then con- 
ducted Brother Rathbone into the Lodge, introducing him to 
the W. C. and members. Upon invitation Brother Rathbone 
then gave a history of the organization of the Order, his con- 
nection with it in 1864, and his reasons for resigning his office 
and membership, etc. 

The need of a perfect Ritual, in order to make the ceremonies 
more interesting and attractive, had long been felt, and at this 
meeting of the Lodge the following committee was appointed to 
revise the Ritual, and if possible report at the next meeting 
night : Past Chancellors Rathbone, Barton, Dunn, Cross, Cook, 
]?. S. Lawson, and Brother Cooksey of Franklin Lodge, and F. 
S. Sears and V. P. Downs of Mount Vernon Lodge. On the 
14th of May the committee reported that the Ritual had been 
placed, by their sanction, in the hands of Brother Rathbone for 
revision, and that he had performed his duty and reported to the 
committee, who had unanimously approved of it. The report 
of the committee was received and adopted, and the Ritual now 
in use was read and adopted as the Ritual of the Order, by 
Franklin and Mount Vernon Lodges in joint meeting. It was 
also resolved at this meeting to reorganize the Grand Lodge. 

REORGANIZATION OF THE GRAND LODGE. 

On the 1st of May, 1866, pursuant to agreement, Past Chan- 
cellors Rathbone, Barton, Dunn, King, Cook, and Beech, of 



20 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

No. 2, John I. Downs, of No. 5, and Representative Strom- 
berger, of No. 5, met for the purpose of reorganizing the Grand 
Lodge, which had held no meetings since June, 1865. The 
offices of Grand Marshal, Herald, Prelate, and Inner and Outer 
Guardian, in vogue at that time, were discontinued, and the 
following officers were elected : 

J. H. Rathbone, Grand Chancellor ; Edw. Dunn, Vice 
Grand Chancellor ; Clarence M. Barton, Grand Recording 
Scribe; John I. Downs, Grand Financial Scribe; John H. 
King, Grand Banker ; Thomas W. Cook, Grand Guide; Levi 
Beech, Grand Inner Steward ; John W. Cross, Grand Outer- 
Steward. 

On motion of G. R. S. Barton, the office of V. G. P. was 
made an appointive office for the first three months. The above 
officers were elected to serve the unexpired term of those whose 
tenure-of-office had ceased when the Grand Lodge became de- 
funct in June, 1865 — the term expiring in June, 1866. At this 
meeting the signs, grips, passwords, etc., of the old work were 
changed by G. C. Rathbone, a secret cipher established, and a 
committee appointed to have the Rituals printed. 

The next meeting was held on the 28th of May, all the officers 
being present except the G. O. S. Three Representatives from 
No. 5, Brothers Downey, Jordan, and Stromberger, were also 
present. 

A committee was appointed to draft a Constitution, By-Laws, 
and Installation work ; also one to secure a design for a charter 
and diploma of Subordinate Lodge members, and regalia for 
Grand Lodge members. 

Joseph H. Lawrence, of No. 2, was appointed V. G. P. to 
serve the balance of the term. 

P. G. C. J. T. K. Plant was expelled from the Order for 
divers reasons known to members of the Order. P. C. John H. 
King was appointed a committee of one to negotiate for and 
buy the work of the defunct Lodge in Alexandria. 

An ineffectual attempt was also made at this meeting to de- 
clare null and void the proceedings of the old Grand Lodge, 
and change the numbers of Franklin and Mount Vernon Lodges 
to Nos. 1 and 2, respectively. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 21 

June 4, 1866. 

All the officers were present at this meeting, except the G. 
C, G. G.,and G. I. S. 

P. C. King offered a form of application to establish new- 
Lodges, which was adopted. 

P. C. King offered a design for apron-regalia for Subordinate 
Lodges, which was adopted. A communication was ordered to 
be sent to J. T. K. Plant, requesting him to deliver up the 
books, seal, and papers of the Grand Lodge. 

A communication was read from Franklin Lodge, turning 
over to the Grand Lodge all the property of defunct Lodges in 
its possession, for the sum of #18.75, payable in three months' 
time. 

P. C. Barton moved that the Grand Lodge transfer to Mount 
Vernon Lodge all the working material then in her possession. 
The motion was lost. 

On motion, it was ordered that the V. P. of Subordinate 
Lodges be an appointed officer for the first term only, and all 
new Lodges be allowed four Representatives the first quarter, 
and three Representatives the three following quarters. 

June 18, 1866. 

At this session P. C. John W. Cross declined to serve as G. 
O. S., which declination was received. 

The new constitution and by-laws of the Grand Lodge were 
reported by the committee, and V. G. C. Dunn was appointed 
a committee to draft form of processions. 

On motion, duly seconded, it was ordered " that in Subordi- 
nate Lodges the V. C. shall be addressed by all persons wishing 
to leave the room before the adjournment of the Lodge." 

It was then ordered that the first annual and quarterly session 
of the Grand Lodge, for the coming fiscal year, be held at the 
room of Franklin Lodge, No. 2, on the second Monday in July. 

Thus closed the last meeting held in the unexpired term — 
the Grand Lodge having in its possession the sum of sixty-one 
dollars — sixty of which had been loaned to her by the two 
Lodges, Franklin and Mount Vernon. 



22 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

July 9, 1866. 

An annual and quarterly session was held. The Grand Lodge 
met in due form. Absent, G. C, G. G., G. I. S., and G. O. S. 
The credentials of P. C. Childs and Representatives Stromberger, 
D. and B. Daughton, of No. 5, were received. The quarterly- 
reports of Nos. 2 and 5 Lodges were then presented ; No. 2 
showed a membership of 43; General Fund, $112.16; Widow 
and Orphan Fund, $8.14; percentage, $7.13. No. 5 a mem- 
bership of 96; General Fund, $222.54; Widow and Orphan 
Fund, $32.26; percentage, $22.25. 

Mount Vernon Lodge had thus far been a complete success, 
and the manner in which their membership worked to extend 
the Order and its principles, cheered those who had been so 
long engaged in its behalf to renewed exertions. The Grand 
Lodge, too, began to feel that she had something to rely upon, 
and determined to put forth a stronger effort than ever before to 
advance the work. 

At this session the following Grand Officers were elected to 
serve for one year : 

Edward Dunn, No. 2, Grand Chancellor ; John I. Downs, No. 
5, Vice Grand Chancellor ; Clarence M. Barton, No. 2, Grand 
Recording Scribe; W. L. Childs, No. 5, Grand Financial Scribe ; 
John H. King, No. 2, Grand Banker ; Jasper Scott, No. 2, 
Grand Guide ; R. V. Henry, No. 2, Grand Inner Steward; 
Thomas W. Cook, No. 2, Grand Outer Steward. 

Past Grand Chancellor J. H. Rathbone succeeded to the chair 
of Venerable Grand Patriarch, now made the highest office in 
the Grand Lodge. P. C. John H. King reported having nego- 
tiated for and purchased the work of the defunct Alexandria 
Lodge for $33.50 ; which sum was ordered to be paid. The P. 
C.'s report was received, and the committee discharged from 
further consideration of the subject. The following resolution 
was passed : 

" Resolved, That all sums received from members of new Lodges, con- 
stituting them chartered members, are to be considered as received for initia- 
tion and degree fees." 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 23 

July 12, 1866. 

A special session was held. The following business was 
transacted : — The new printed Ritual was placed in the hands 
of a committee of three, P. C.'s Fox, Dunn, and King, and 
compared with the manuscript work. After the correction of a 
few typographical errors, the original manuscript was destroyed 
by fire. A communication was ordered to be sent to the two 
Lodges, requiring them to deliver up their manuscript Ritual, 
and receive in lieu five copies of the printed, free of expense. 
The supply standard was placed at five copies for $20. A 
Lodge applying for the second set to be furnished at $10. 

On motion it was ordered that one card of the secret cipher 
be transmitted to the W. C. of each Lodge to transfer it quarterly 
to his successor. A bill of $57.50 was then presented for print- 
ing, examined by Finance Committee, and ordered to be paid. 

July 16, 1866. 

An adjourned annual and quarterly session was held. The 
manuscript work from the two Lodges were delivered to the 
Grand Lodge by the P. C, and a committee appointed to destroy 
them ; which was done. A design for a charter, executed by P. 
C. John H. King, was exhibited, and a committee of four ap- 
pointed to perfect the design for charter and diploma. Com- 
mittee — P. C.'s King and Barton, and Representatives Daugh- 
ton and Stromberger. 

July 30, 1866. 

A special session was held, P. G. C. Rathbone in the chair. 
A petition for a charter was received, with forty-three signers, 
to organize Liberty Lodge, No. 6, to be located at the Navy- 
Yard. The following were the officers of the Lodge : 

Wm. P. West wood, Venerable Patriarch ; Thomas E. Pyles, 
Worthy Chancellor ; JohnT. Smith, Vice Chancellor ; A. C. Hoops, 
Recording Scribe ; James Matthieson, Financial Scribe ; Samuel 
Langley, Banker; Alonzo Shaw, Guide; Wm. Sissell, Inner 
Steward ; W. Hardy, Outer Steward. 

The charter was granted, and the gentlemen, being in waiting, 
were introduced and instructed in the mysteries of the Order. 



24 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

August 8, 1866. 

A special session was held, G. C. Edw. Dunn in the chair. 
P. C. Barton was appointed a committee of one to inquire into 
cost of printed charters. 

On motion it was ordered "that the W. C. of each Subordi- 
nate Lodge should be notified that the printed Ritual should 
never be removed from the Lodge room, but should be open at 
any time, in the Lodge room, for perusal by any Knight in good 
standing." 

The following was established as the working regalia of Sub- 
ordinate Lodges : for Knights, plain red collar ; Esquires, yellow 
collar; Pages, blue collar; for officers, plain red collar, with 
movable insignia of office upon them; for V. P., plain black 
collar, with Bible in metal upon it. 

It was resolved that the apron-regalia, which was established at 
this session, should never be worn in the Lodge room, except in 
visiting or receiving sister Lodges, official visitation, and funerals. 

The installation work of the Grand Lodge was here read by 
P. G. C. Rathbone, and adopted. The funeral services were 
also read and adopted, and P. G. C. Rathbone appointed to add 
a short prayer. P. C. Childs was appointed a committee to get 
up design for apron-regalia of Grand Lodge officers and members. 

August 20, 1866. 

A special session was held, G. C. Edw. Dunn in the chair. The 
committee on G. L. Officers' and Members' Regalia submitted 
a report, which was adopted, and the apron-regalia (now in use) 
made the established regalia of the Grand Lodge. 

The committee on inquiring into the cost of printing charters 
submitted a report, when P. C.'s Barton and Cross were author- 
ized to have fifty printed. 

The following resolution was adopted : 

" Resolved, That, in order to more fully instruct candidates in the mys- 
teries of the Order, not more than six be allowed to be initiated and in- 
structed in the several degrees at one time." 

Appropriations — $10 to Committee on Charters ; $5 to P. C. 
John H. King for Charters. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 2$ 

August 24, 1866. 
An application for a charter was presented to the Grand 
Chancellor to organize Webster Lodge, No. 7, signed by Harry 
Kronheimer, David Nachman, I. L. and H. L. Blout, E. Voight, 
D. L. Demelman, C. W. Okey, Wolf Kaufmann, J. Peyser, P. 
Peyser, and others. The charter was granted, and the Lodge 
organized on the 27th by the Grand Lodge Officers, at Franklin 
Lodge room. 

August 29, 1866. 

A special meeting was held, P. C. Edw. Dunn in the chair. 
A committee of three — P. C. Barton, Representatives Daughton 
and Stromberger — was appointed to procure a suitable hall for 
the meetings of the Grand Lodge. 

Webster Lodge, No. 7, was loaned a full set of working mate- 
rial until the Grand Lodge should require it. An invitation was 
read and accepted from Mount Vernon Lodge, No. 5, to be 
present at their excursion to Mount Vernon and Glymont. 

The burgee (now in use) was adopted, and P. C.'s Scott, 
Childs, and King appointed a committee to procure the burgee 
and lance. 

The following resolution was adopted : 

" That, hereafter, when a person applies for membership in a Lodge out- 
side of his jurisdiction, a communication shall be sent to the Lodge nearest 
his residence asking for his character." 

Webster Lodge was allowed to keep their charter open until 
the 2 1 st of October. 

Appropriations. — #15 to Franklin Lodge to reimburse her 
for outlay for blanks, etc. ; $1 for room rent. 
3 



26 



THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 









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COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 2J 

September 7, 1866. 

An adjourned special session was held at Temperance Hall, G. 
C. Edw. Dunn in the chair. 

The Committee on Securing Hall reported having procured 
Temperance Hall at $3 per meeting night. The report was re- 
ceived. The following committees were appointed : 

Election and Returns — P. C.'s Barton, Martin, and Losano. 
On Grievance — P. C.'s Cross, Henry, and Childs. On Super- 
vision — P. C.'s Fox, Scott, and Childs. 

Franklin Lodge, No. 2, requested that her charter be re-opened 
until fifty additional members be secured, each candidate to be 
admitted in a constitutional form, and be disqualified from re- 
ceiving benefits for six months. The request occasioned con- 
siderable debate ; after which it was granted, with the following 
amendment : " That hereafter no Lodge shall be allowed to open 
its charter after being once closed." 

The Committee on Apron-Regalia reported having procured 
samples of the same from the manufacturers, and presented bills. 
The report was received and the committee discharged from the 
further consideration thereof. The following appropriations 
were made : 

Hall Rent $3 00 

To Finish Burgee 10 00 

Apron-Regalias (sample) 28 25 

Total $41 25 

October 8, 1866. 

A regular quarterly session was held. G. C. Edw. Dunn in the 
chair. The proceedings of the previous quarterly and special 
sessions were read and approved. The credentials of the follow- 
ing Past Chancellors and Representatives were presented : 

Thomas Hamilton, of No. 2 ; R. T. Johnson, of No. 5 ; W. 
P. Westwood and Thomas E. Pyles, of No. 6 ; Harry Kron- 
heimer and I. L. Blout, of No. 7. Representatives, John Daugh- 
ton, John M. Mitchel, and Josiah Gray, of No. 5 ; W. P. Allen, 
William Ready, and L. A. Tuell, of No. 6 ; H. L. Blout, J. 



28 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Peyser, and C. W. Okey, of No. 7 ; which were referred to the 
Committee on Election and Returns, which reported favorably 
thereon, and recommended their admission, which was concurred 
in. The Past Chancellors and Representatives Gray, Allen, 
Ready, Tuell, Blout, and Okey were then admitted and obli- 
gated. 

The Committee on Burgee reported the same completed, at a 
cost of $10; the report was received, the committee discharged, 
and the burgee placed in the hands of Grand Banker King for 
the Grand Lodge. 

P. C. Barton stated that he had in his possession a new Con- 
stitution which he had prepared, in view of the fact that the one 
in use was not sufficient to meet the demand for the proper 
government of the Lodges. The Constitution was, upon motion 
of P. C. R. T. Johnson, read by articles and sections, and had 
been read as far as Article VIII., Section V., when the Grand 
Lodge adjourned until the thirteenth. 

October 13, 1866. 

The Grand Lodge met in due form, pursuant to adjournment, 
— G. C. Edw. Dunn in the chair. Representative John Daugh- 
ton, of No. 5, was admitted and instructed. The new Constitu- 
tion was again taken up, and the remaining articles and sections 
adopted ; and the Constitution adopted in whole. Represen- 
tatives from No. 6 moved that hereafter the Committee on the 
Good of the Order be appointed in open Lodge. Adopted. 

P. C. 's Childs, Barton, and Representative Okey were appointed 
a committee to inquire into the expediency of having the Consti- 
tution printed. At this session G. R. S. Clarence M. Barton 
requested that his rank in the order be more clearly defined, he 
having been elected Grand Chancellor of the Order in June, 
1865, and remaining as such until the Grand Lodge ceased its 
functions by the decease of all the Lodges, except Franklin. 
After debate upon the matter, it was resolved that P. C. Clarence 
M. Barton be known hereafter as a Past Grand Chancellor of the 
Order. The Grand Lodge then adjourned until 16th October. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT- BO OK. 2$ 

October 16, 1866. 

Pursuant to adjournment, the Grand Lodge met in due form, 
G. C. Edw. Dunn in the chair. Representative Jacob Peyser, 
of No. 7, was admitted and instructed. P. C. Edw. Fox ap- 
plied for the honors of a Past Grand Chancellor. After debate, 
the subject was laid on the table. Brothers J. Peyser, I. L. Blout, 
and Tuell were appointed a committee to have the funeral services 
printed. The following article was offered and read : 

" That the Subordinate Lodges shall do all their work in the Knight De- 
gree." 

A motion was made to suspend the rules to take up the article 
for action upon it. The Chair decided the motion not in order. 
An appeal was taken from the decision of the Chair, and the 
Chair was sustained. The Grand Lodge then adjourned. 

November 22, 1866. 

A special session was held, P. G. C. Barton in the chair. 
The parts of the Constitution conflicting with the Ritual were 
taken up and stricken out. P. C.'s Barton, Westwood, and 
Kronheimer were appointed a committee to procure the officers' 
rosettes and emblems. The same committee was appointed to 
get up a design for working regalia of Grand Lodge. 

The Committee on Funeral Services presented a prayer, which 
was read and adopted. Adjourned. 

December 28, 1866. 

A special session was held, G. C. Edw. Dunn in the chair. 
The By-Laws of the Subordinate Lodges were presented and read 
by the G. R. S. The parts conflicting with the Constitution and 
Ritual were stricken out, and the By-Laws adopted; P. C.'s 
Barton, Martin, and Kronheimer were appointed a committee to 
examine the proof-sheets, and compare them with the original 
manuscript. Adjourned. 



30 



THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 



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No. 5, 
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No. 6, 
Liberty 

No. 7 , 
Webster 





COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 3 1 

January 14, 1867. 

A regular quarterly session was held. The Grand Lodge met 
in due form, at Temperance Hall, V. G. C. John I. Downs in 
the chair. The minutes of the last quarterly, adjourned, and 
special sessions were read and approved. The credentials of the 
following Past Chancellors and Representatives were presented, 
and referred to the Committee on Election and Returns, who 
reported favorably thereon, and recommended their admission. 

Past Chancellors — D. Carrigan and R. T. Lawson, of No. 2; 
R. T. Sears, of No. 5 ; John T. Smith, of No. 6 ; H. L. Blout, 
of No. 7. Representatives — F. Stromberger, John E. Herrill, 
and W. F. Garrett, of No. 5 ; Stephen Simonds, F. Prosperi, 
and William Ready, of No. 6 ; J. Peyser, Thomas Rich, and C. 
W. Okey, of No. 7. 

Past Chancellors Carrigan, Smith, Sears, and Lawson, and 
Representatives Herrell, Garrett, Simonds, and Rich were ad- 
mitted and instructed. 

The committee also examined the quarterly reports, and re- 
ported favorably thereon. The report of No. 7 was not presented. 

The Committee on Funeral Service reported having it printed, 
and presented a bill for the same; and they were discharged 
from the further consideration of the subject. 

The Committee on Officers' Rosettes reported having secured 
them at a cost of $8. 

The Committee on Working-Regalia for Grand Lodge mem- 
bers submitted a report ; and after debate it was laid upon the 
table. 

The committee on inquiring into the cost and expediency of 
having the Grand Lodge Constitution printed, submitted a report, 
that they could have one hundred copies printed at a cost of 
$32, and deem it expedient to have them printed at once. 

P. G. C. Barton offered the following resolution : 

Resolved, That hereafter, on the night of installation, the Worthy Chan- 
cellor of each Lodge shall appoint four officers, styled "Attendants," to serve 
during the quarter, and to be fined in case of absence — said Attendants to 
assist the officers of the Lodge during the initiation and conferring of the de- 
grees. 



32 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

After debate upon the resolution, the yeas and nays were called, 
and it was adopted by the following vote : Yeas — Past Chancel- 
lors Carrigan, Barton, Smith, Lawson, Cross, Childs, Westwood, 
Fox, Downs, Henry, Sears, and Beech; Representatives Si- 
monds, Rich, Stromberger, Jacob Peyser, and Herrell. Nays — 
Past Chancellors Johnson, Pyles, and Hamilton, and Representa- 
tive Garrett. 

The following resolution was offered and unanimously adopted : 

That, hereafter, previous to the installation of the Banker of Subordinate 
Lodges, he will be required to deliver the funds of the Lodge to his succes- 
sor, in the presence of the Installing Officer. 

The motion passed by the Grand Lodge on 7th of September, 
1866, to prevent the charter of any Lodge from being opened 
after it had been closed, was then, upon motion, reconsidered, 
and on motion of P. C. John W. Cross, Webster Lodge, No. 7, 
was allowed to re-open her charter for the space of one year, and 
confer the Page, Esquire, and Knight Degrees for the sum of $5. 
P. C.'s Carrigan, Westwood, and Barton were appointed a com- 
mittee to revise the installation work of Subordinate Lodges. 
P. C. Thomas Hamilton stated that he had collected a sum of 
money for the purpose of paying the necessary expenses to estab- 
lish a Lodge of the Order in Pennsylvania. The list of names 
of those subscribing were presented by the P. C. The G. C. was 
empowered to pay over the amount to those who might be depu- 
tized to organize a Lodge outside the district. The following 
appropriations were made : 

Printing Constitution of Grand Lodge $32 00 

Rosettes for Officers 8 00 

Printing Funeral Odes . 3 50 

Hall Rent 3 00 

Total $46 50 

The Grand Lodge adjourned until the 29th instant. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 33 

January 29, 1867. 

The Grand Lodge met pursuant to adjournment, at Union 
Lodge Hall, and was opened in due form, G. C. Edw. Dunn 
in the chair. 

The credentials of Representative Darnell, of No. 6, were re- 
ceived, examined, and the brother admitted and instructed. 

The Committee on Printing reported having received twenty- 
copies of the Grand Lodge Constitution, the remainder to be 
finished in a few days. The report was received. 

The committee on comparing the proof-sheets of the Consti- 
tution and By-Laws of Subordinate Lodges with the original 
manuscript, reported that the proofs had been examined by them 
and were found to be filled with errors. They asked to be dis- 
charged ; which was agreed to. 

The Committee on Grand Lodge Working-Regalia submitted 
three different plans for consideration, and after discussion, the 
following was adopted as the working-regalia of the Grand 
Lodge : Past Grand Chancellors and Venerable Grand Patri- 
archs, black velvet collars, trimmed with gold. The letters P. 
G. C. worked in gold on the former, and a Bible in gold on the 
latter. For all officers' and Past Chancellors, a red velvet collar, 
trimmed with gold bullion. On the officers' collars their insignia 
will be worked in gold; for Representatives from Subordinate 
Lodges, a red velvet collar, trimmed with silver bullion. 

The committee on getting up a form of installation for Subor- 
dinate Lodges (P. C.'s Carrigan, Barton, and Westwood) sub- 
mitted a form, which was read, (the same now in use,) and, after 
a lengthy discussion, adopted by a vote of eleven to five. 

The seats of Grand Guide Jasper Scott, and Grand Inner 
Steward R. V. Henry, were declared vacant according to the 
Constitution, they having been absent six sessions. 

The Grand Lodge went into an election, and P. C. W. P. 
Westwood, of No. 6, was elected Grand Guide, and P. C. R. T. 
Johnson, of No. 5, Grand Inner Steward. Representative Her- 
rell, of No. 5, asked the following interrogatories: 



34 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

1. Is it lawful to assess the members of a Lodge (la head on the de- 
cease of a Brother, and turn the same into the treasury of the Lodge when 
there is no widow or children to receive it ? 

2. Has a Lodge a right to levy a tax on its members for any object not 
specified in the Constitution and By-Laws of said Lodge ? 

The interrogatories, after a lengthy debate, were referred to 
the Grievance Committee. 

In reply to a question by Representative Stromberger, the 
Grand Chancellor decided that members of Subordinate Lodges 
had no right to know the business transacted by the Grand 
Lodge, unless officially informed of it. 

After the transaction of other business, the Grand Lodge 
adjourned until 12th of February. 

The following appropriations were made : 

To Mount Vernon Lodge, for money loaned $30 00 

To Hall Rent 5 00 

February 12, 1867. 

The Grand Lodge met pursuant to adjournment, and was 
opened in due form, G. C. Edw. Dunn in the chair. 

The credentials of Representative H. V. Cole, of No. 7, vice 
Thos. Rich, resigned, were received, examined, and the brother 
admitted and instructed. G. G. Westwood and G. I. S. John- 
son were duly installed in office. 

The Committee on Printing Grand Lodge Constitution made 
a partial report, and asked for an appropriation of $3 to supply 
deficiency. The report was received. 

The Committee on Rosettes and Emblems reported having 
procured the emblems at a cost of $16, and were discharged from 
the further consideration of the subject. 

On motion of P. C. Daniel Carrigan, a copy of the printed 
Ritual, with the seal attached, was loaned to P. G. C. J. H. 
Rathbone until such times as the Grand Lodge should demand it. 

The Grievance Committee, P. C.'s John W. Cross and R. V. 
Henry, to whom had been referred the interrogatories of Repre- 
sentative Herrell, on the 29th of January, reported as to the first 
interrogatory, "That no tax could be levied;" and as to the 
second, " That a Lodge has a right to levy a tax for any purpose 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 35 

not specified in the Constitution and By-Laws ; provided it be 
done by unanimous consent of those present." 

P. C. Martin moved that the report of the committee be re- 
ceived and adopted. After discussion upon the subject, and 
various motions and appeals, P. G. C. Barton moved that the 
whole subject be postponed until the next session of the Grand 
Lodge ; which was adopted. 

P. G. C.'s Rathbone and Barton, and P. C. Carrigan were 
appointed a committee to have the Grand and Subordinate 
Lodge installation work printed. 

P. C. Kronheimer offered the following resolutions, which were 
laid over according to rule : 

Resolved, That no brother who is not in possession of the quarterly pass- 
word shall be admitted to a seat, nor gain admittance into a sister Lodge. 

Resolved, That hereafter all applicants for membership to the Knights of 
Pythias shall sign their names to the application, and if they are not compe- 
tent to do so, they shall not be admitted to fellowship, and those now belong- 
ing to the Order who cannot write their names shall be disqualified from 
ever holding office in the Order. 

On motion, and at the request of P. G. C. Rathbone, he was 
empowered to reorganize Washington Lodge, No. i, by bringing 
it back into the Order in a constitutional form. 

P. G. C.'s Rathbone, Barton, and G. C. Dunn were, on mo- 
tion of P. C. Carrigan, appointed a committee to set to music 
the Initiatory Anthem. 

A communication was read from Franklin Lodge, No. 2, pre- 
senting to the Grand Lodge their old Second and Third Degree 
work. The communication was received, and a vote of thanks 
tendered that Lodge. 

Representative Darnell offered the following amendment to the 
Grand Lodge Constitution : 

Article 4, Section 1. " That this Grand Lodge hold an annual session on 
the fourth Tuesday in July." 

Representative Stromberger moved that the proceedings of 
the " Old Grand Lodge " be declared null and void, and a com- 
mittee of three be appointed to procure a new seal. 



36 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

P. C. D. Carrigan moved to lay it on the table, which motion 
was lost. After debate on the question, P. C. John W. Cross 
moved to postpone the matter until the second meeting night in 
August ; which was adopted by a vote of fourteen to four. 

A debate was here sprung in regard to the expulsion of P. G. 
C. J. T. K. Plant, and rank of P. G. C. Rathbone. 

P. C. Westwood offered the following resolution : 

Resolved, That notwithstanding any action to the contrary, V. G. P. J. H. 
Rathbone is hereby declared to be the senior Past Grand Chancellor of the 
Order. 

The resolution was adopted. 

P. C. John H. King offered the following resolution : 

Resolved, That during installation, initiation, and conferring of degrees, all 
other business must be suspended, and no brother will be permitted to enter 
or retire from the Lodge room. 

Also a resolution establishing the mode of balloting. Laid 
over according to rule. The voting sign of the Order was then 
established ; and a new form of quarterly reports. 

P. G. C. Barton stated that he had been for some time com- 
municating with gentlemen in Philadelphia in relation to estab- 
lishing the Order in that city, and was satisfied, from the tenor 
of their letters, that a Lodge of the Order could be organized 
there with good material. He asked an appropriation of money 
to proceed to Philadelphia at once, for the purpose of explaining 
the principles of the Order to those in that city who were willing 
to take hold of the matter and to arrange preliminaries previous 
to their making application for a charter. 

On motion the sum of $20 was appropriated from the fund 
collected by P. C. Hamilton for the payment of P. G. C. Bar- 
ton's expenses to Philadelphia — and the following Past Chan- 
cellors deputized to proceed to Philadelphia in case Brother 
Barton's efforts were successful : P. G. C. Rathbone, G. C. Edw. 
Dunn, P. C.'s John W. Cross and Daniel Carrigan. 

On motion of P. G. C. Rathbone, the Subordinate Lodges 
were requested to turn out in procession, and escort the Grand 
Officers to the depot on the occasion. The Grand Lodge mem- 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 37 

bers were also requested to turn out, and the following commit- 
tee appointed to procure music: P. G. C. Rathbone and P. C.'s 
Childs and King. 

P. C. J. W. Cross asked to be excused from serving on the 
Grievance Committee ; which was agreed to. 

The following appropriations were made : 

Officers' emblems $16 oo 

Deficiency on printed Constitutions 3 00 

Blank notices for G. R. S 4 °° 

Total $23 00 

Adjourned. 

P. G. C. Barton left Washington on the 15th for Philadelphia. 
On arriving there he proceeded directly to several friends in the 
north-western part of that city, and, after a consultation upon the 
subject, they determined to organize a Lodge. A meeting was 
called at the residence of George Hensler, Esq., corner 15th and 
Brown Streets, who was chosen its chairman. The objects and 
principles of the Order were duly explained, and those present 
subscribed to the application. The name of the Lodge was fixed 
upon as Excelsior Lodge, No. 1, and the application was for- 
warded to the Grand Chancellor at Washington. 

February 21, 1867. 

A special session was held, G. C. Edw. Dunn in the chair, 
who stated that he had received a letter from P. G. C. Barton in 
Philadelphia, informing him of the success he had met with, and 
also enclosing the following application for a charter ; which was 
read by G. R. S. p. t. D. Carrigan : 

Philadelphia, February 19, 1867. 
To the G. C. and Members of the Grand Lodge, 

Knights of Pythias, D. C. 
The undersigned, residing in the city of Philadelphia, respectfully petition 
your honorable body to grant them a charter, or dispensation, to establish a 
Lodge of the Knights of Pythias, to be located in the 15th Ward, Philadel- 
phia, said Lodge to be known as Excelsior Lodge, No. I, Knights of Pythias, 
and under your jurisdiction. 
Charter fee enclosed — $10. 
4 



38 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

WILBUR H. MYERS Venerable Patriarch. 

FRED. COPPES Worthy Chancellor. 

JOHN JAY FISHER Vice Chancellor. 

WILLIAM A. PORTER Banker. 

A. J. HUNTZINGER Financial Scribe. 

G. GRAEF Recording Scribe. 

J. W. HENCILL Guide. 

JAMES McDEVITT Inner Steward. 

JAMES HERMANN Outer Steward. 

George Hensler, Wm. A. McCoy, Wm, R. Buddy, James Culbertson, C. 
Umstead, Jacob Allen, D. P. Miller, George C. Johnson, C. S. Williams, 
Robert Jeandelle, Samuel C. Barton, Wm. Allen, Louis Lampter, James Porter, 
P. Bodamer, P. J. Hallowell, Enoch McCabe, James Dunn, George W. 
Lauster. 

The application was referred to the following committee for 
examination: P. C.'s Childs, Smith, and Scott, who reported 
favorable ; when, upon motion, the charter was granted. 

On motion it was resolved that the degree work presented to 
the Grand Lodge by Franklin Lodge, No. 2, be taken to Phila- 
delphia and left in charge of Excelsior Lodge. A committee of 
one from each Lodge was also appointed to get everything in 
readiness, and it was resolved that those deputized on the 12th 
instant to proceed to Philadelphia, leave for that city on the 
1 1. 15 train, Saturday, February 23. Adjourned. 

P. G. C. Rathbone, P. C.'s Carrigan, Cross, Smith, and 
others were escorted to the depot from Mount Vernon Lodge 
room, on the morning of the 23d of February, by Heald's Band 
and the members of the Order in regalia. 

On arriving in Philadelphia, they were met by P. G. C. Bar- 
ton and G. C. Dunn, (who had arrived two days before,) and 
along with their Philadelphia friends proceeded to the Hall of 
the Mechanic Fire Company, Brown Street, below 15th Street, 
and there organized Excelsior Lodge, No. 1, and installed their 
officers on the evening of the 23d of February, 1867. 

February 26, 1867. 
An adjourned quarterly session was held, P. C. Kronheimer 
in the chair. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 39 

The committee to organize Excelsior Lodge, of Philadelphia, 
reported the result of their labors, and were discharged from the 
further consideration of the subject. 

The Committee on Music made a partial report, and were 
granted further time. 

On motion of Representative Garrett, of No. 5, the motion by 
which the report of the Grievance Committee on the interroga- 
tories of Representative Herrell was laid over until the next 
session, was reconsidered; and, after debate, the committee's 
report on the second interrogatory was stricken out, and their 
report on the first — that no tax could be levied — was adopted 
as the sense of the Grand Lodge. 

The G. R. S. was authorized to forward a communication to 
No. 5 Lodge, informing them of the illegality of levying the tax 
of $ 1 upon their members on the decease of one of their brothers. 

A communication was also ordered to be sent to P. C. T. W. 
Cook, in Philadelphia, requesting him to visit Excelsior Lodge 
and instruct its members in the work of the Order. 

The following resolution, offered by P. G. C. Barton, was 
adopted : 

Resolved, That the Grand Lodge, District of Columbia, shall pay the trav- 
-elling expenses of one Past Officer of Excelsior Lodge, of Pennsylvania, to 
attend the Grand Lodge sessions for one year. 

P. C. I. L. Blout offered a substitute for P. C. King's resolu- 
tion in regard to the mode of balloting ; which was adopted. 

An appeal was read from Brothers F. Stromberger and J. T. 
Roland, of No. 5, protesting against a fine being levied upon 
them for conversing in the Lodge-room during initiation. Re- 
ferred to the following committee : P. C.'s Henry, I. L. Blout, 
and West wood. 

A card of thanks was tendered the members of Excelsior 
Lodge, Philadelphia, for their kind and generous treatment of 
the Grand Lodge delegates while in that city. 

Also one to Representative Stromberger for the aid he had 
given the brethren in preparing the necessary work. 

And a card of thanks to the Subordinate Lodges for their turn- 
out on the occasion of escorting the delegates to the depot. 



40 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

On motion P. C. John H. King was loaned the emblems of 
the Grand Lodge, to be used by Franklin Lodge, No. 2, on the 
occasion of visiting a fair at Odd-Fellows' Hall. 

P. G. C. Rathbone moved that a committee of five be ap- 
pointed to take into consideration the feasibility of erecting a 
hall in the city, to be known as the Hall of the Knights of 
Pythias ; adopted, and the following committee appointed : P. G. 
C. Rathbone, and P. C.'s King, Childs, Westwood, and Kron- 
heimer. 

The Grand Lodge then adjourned until March 1 2th. 



March 12, 1867. 

An adjourned quarterly session was held, G. C. Edward 
Dunn in chair. 

The credentials of P. C. Wilbur H. Myers, and Reps. Fred. 
Coppes, Wm. A. Porter, and John W. Hencill, of Excelsior 
Lodge, Pa., were presented and referred to the Committee on 
Election and Returns ; which reported favorable. 

Reps. Coppes and Porter were then introduced and instructed. 

The Committee on Music made a report, and requested an 
appropriation of $5 to supply deficiency. 

On motion of P. C. J. S. Martin, the report was received, and 
the request granted ; the Committee was then discharged. 

An application for a card was read from J. N. Turpin, a 
former member of Washington Lodge, No. 1, and referred to P. 
C.'s Johnson, Kronheimer, and Carrigan. 

The By-Laws of Excelsior Lodge, of Pennsylvania, were pre- 
sented, read and approved, and that Lodge empowered to keep 
open its charter books until the first meeting in July. 

The Committee on Printing Installation Work of Grand and 
Subordinate Lodges was empowered to have 100 copies printed. 

The Committee on Supervision were, on motion of P. C. King, 
ordered to report at the next session all conflictions between the 
Ritual and Constitution. 

Appropriations. — $5.00 to Committee on Music. 

Adjourned. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 



41 



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42 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

April 9, 1867. 

The Grand Lodge assembled in quarterly session, and was 
opened in due form, G. C. Edward Dunn in the chair. Prayer 
by V. G. P. pro tern. Carrigan. 

The proceedings of the adjourned and special sessions were 
read and approved. 

The Committee on Election and Returns reported favorably 
on the returns of Nos. 2, 5, and 6, of D. C., and No. 1, of Phil- 
adelphia. The returns of No. 7, of D. C., were not presented. 

The credentials of the following Brothers were found correct, 
and so reported by the committee : P. C.'s W. H. Myers, of Pa. ; 
C. Hutzler, of No. 2 ; B. Daughton, of No. 5 ; James Matthie- 
son, No. 6; Jacob Peyser, No. 7, and Reps. Allen, Mclnturff, 
and Gordon, of No. 6, and Okey, Cole, and Nattaus, of No. 7. 

The following, being present, were admitted and instructed : 
P. C.'s Myers, Hutzler, Matthieson, and Daughton, and Reps. 
Allen, Mclnturff, and Cole. 

The committee to whom was referred the application of J. N. 
Turpin for a card, made an unfavorable report, finding that at 
the time of the decease of Washington Lodge the Brother was 
not in good standing. The report was received and the com- 
mittee discharged. 

The Committee on Grievance, to whom was referred the appeal 
of Bros. Stromberger and Roland, of No. 5, reported that the 
cause of the Brothers being fined was of such a nature that it 
would not justify a fine, and that the Brothers were fined con- 
trary to custom and law, there being no legal charges brought 
against them for the offence at the time. The report was 
received and adopted, and the committee discharged. 

Applications for cards from T. Harry Donahue, of late Wash- 
ington Lodge, and John P. Lucas, of late Potomac Lodge, were 
read and referred to the following committee : P. C.'s Fox, 
Matthieson, and Daughton. 

An application for card was also received from Isaac N. Bowen, 
a Past Chancellor of late Alexandria Lodge ; which, on the recom- 
mendation of P. C. John H. King, was granted. 






COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 43 

A communication was read from Excelsior Lodge, of Phila- 
delphia, informing the Grand Lodge of the election of their offi- 
cers for the ensuing quarter. Also, one tendering the thanks of 
their Lodge to the Grand Lodge for their generous treatment of 
their Representatives at the last Grand Lodge session. 

And one from Franklin Lodge, No. 2, notifying the Grand 
Lodge that fifty additional members had been secured by that 
Lodge, according to the rules prescribed by the Grand Lodge. 
Also, one from same Lodge, notifying the Grand Lodge of P. 
C.'s who were in arrears. 

The communications were received and noted. 

On motion, the action of Excelsior Lodge, in re-electing the 
same officers for the ensuing quarter, was sustained. 

An appeal was read from A. F. Altemus, of No. 7 Lodge, 
claiming that H. V. Cole had been unconstitutionally elected 
Financial Scribe of that Lodge, and that he (Altemus) was enti- 
tled to the office ; referred to the Grievance Committee. 

The amendments to the Grand Lodge Constitution — offered 
by P. G. C. C. M. Barton, and Rep. Darnell, on the 29th Janu- 
ary — were then taken up and adopted, making the time for 
holding the quarterly session on the 2d Tuesday of each quarter, 
and the annual session on the 4th Tuesday in July. 

The resolutions of P. C. H. Kronheimer, proposing an amend- 
ment to the Grand Lodge Constitution, which were presented on 
1 2th of February, were taken up, and, after discussion, were 
rejected. 

The amendment offered by Rep. Stromberger, that " No 
Brother shall be eligible to the office of W. C. until he has 
served one term in each subordinate office, commencing with the 
office of Financial Scribe, and progressing upward," was taken 
up, and, after lengthy debate, adopted. A vote by Lodges being 
called, resulted as follows : Affirmative — Mount Vernon, Web- 
ster, Excelsior ; Negative — Franklin and Liberty. 

The following committee was appointed to devise a P. C.'s 
and Rep.' s Degree for the Grand Lodge: G. C. Edward Dunn, 
P. G. C. C. M. Barton, and P. C.'s Myers, Childs, Westwood, 
and Kronheimer. 



44 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

The following committee was appointed to inquire into the 
expediency of giving an excursion for the benefit of the Grand 
Lodge : P. G. C. Barton, and P. G.'s Childs and Kronheimer. 

The following appropriations were made : 

Installation Work (printing) .$26 00 

Hall Rent 4 89 

C. M. Barton, travelling expenses 10 00 

W. H. Myers, " " 10 00 

Total $50 89 

RECEIPTS. 

Percentage from Subordinate Lodges $99 70 

Cards 4 50 

Total $104 20 

The Grand Lodge then adjourned. 

May 14, 1867. 

A special session was held, Grand Banker John H. King in 
the chair. 

On motion, the vote by which the amendment of Rep. 
Stromberger to the Constitution was effected at the last session, 
was declared null and void, the vote on the amendment having 
been taken by Lodges, when Article XVIII. of the Grand Lodge 
Constitution required all amendments to be approved by a vote 
of two-thirds of the members present entitled to vote, before 
they became a part of the Constitution. 

The Committee on the application of John P. Lucas for card, 
made a favorable report, and a card was granted. 

The Committee on Supervision reported conflictions between 
the Ritual and Constitution. 

The Committee on Grievances reported upon the appeal of A. 
F. Altemus, that he was entitled to the office of Financial Scribe, 
and that Brother Cole * was not. 

The reports were received and adopted. 

* At the beginning of the quarter, Brother H. V. Cole was installed into 
office by the Grand Chancellor, the objections to the contrary notwithstand- 
ing. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 45 

Bro. John Meyer, formerly a member of the late Potomac 
Lodge, applied for a card, and P. C.'s Westwood, Johnson, and 
Childs, were appointed a committee upon it. 

Receipts, card of John Meyer, #1.50. 

The Grand Lodge then adjourned. 

June 17, 1867. 

A special session was held, G. C. Edward Dunn in the chair. 

An application for a charter to organize Columbia Lodge, No. 
8, was presented, accompanied with the charter fee and requisite 
number of signers — the Lodge to be located in the south-western 
part of the city of Washington, D. C. The application was 
dated May 10, 1867, and signed as follows: Wm. H. Signor, 
Geo. H. Kepplar, James T. Davis, Wm. T. Hall, Geo. W. 
Sewell, James B. Shearer, G. W. Barkman, J. H. Truett, and J. 
R. N. Curtin. The application was received, referred to the ap- 
propriate committee, which reported favorably, and the charter 
granted ; previous to which the name of Columbia was stricken 
out, and the applicants ordered to be informed that the name of 
Washington or Columbia could not be used by a new Lodge, 
there being two defunct Lodges bearing those names. 

Receipts, charter fee, $10.00. 

The Grand Lodge then adjourned. 

June 25, 1867. 

A special session was held for the purpose of organizing Friend- 
ship Lodge, No. 8, G. C. Edward Dunn in the chair. A com- 
mittee was appointed to wait on the applicants and procure a list 
of their officers. The committee reported the following : V. G. 
P. (past officer), J. R. N. Curtin ; Worthy Chancellor, John H. 
Kepplar; V. C, Geo. W. Sewell; Banker, Jas. Shearer; R. S., 
W. T. Hall ; F. S., W. H. Signor; Guide, L. B. Grimes; I. S., 
Jas. L. Davis; O. S., Geo. W. Barkman. The above officers, 
and several members, were then introduced and instructed in the 
mysteries of the several Degrees. 

Adjourned. 



4 6 



THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 



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No. 2, 
Frai.klin 

No. 5, 
Mt. Vernon. 

No. 6, 
Liberty 

No. 7 , 
Webster 

No 8, _ 
Friendship.. 

No. i (Pa.) 
Excelsior 





COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. Afi 

July 9, 1867. 

A regular quarterly session was held. The Grand Lodge as- 
sembled in due form, G. C. Dunn in the chair. Prayer by V. 
G. Y., pro tern., Edward Fox. 

The minutes of the last quarterly and special sessions were 
read and approved. 

The Committee on Election and Returns reported the returns 
of Nos. 2 and 6 correct, and those of No. 1, of Pa., and Nos. 
5 and 7, of D. C, incorrect — the former not having the W. C.'s 
signature attached, and the two latter having no seals affixed. 
The report was received and adopted by a vote of 18 to 3. 

The credentials of the Past Chancellors and Representatives 
were then examined by the committee, and the following were 
admitted and instructed. P. C.'s John Schultz, No. 2; J. R. 
N. Curtin, No. 8 ; F. Wood, No. 5 ; A. Shaw, No. 6 ; C. W. 
Okey, No. 7 ; Reps. Allen, MclnturfT, and Garrett, No. 6 ; Wil- 
bourne, Dykes, and Kepplar, No. 8 ; and Cole, Clark, and 
Altemus, of No. 7. 

The following committees, being unable to report, were dis- 
charged : on Regalia, Excursion, and Degree Work. 

A communication was read from Excelsior Lodge, of Penn- 
sylvania, asking the Grand Lodge to confer the Past Chancellor's 
Degree upon all of their first installed officers, in order to ad- 
vance the work in Philadelphia ; that they be empowered to 
make their R. S., B., and O. S. yearly officers; and that they 
be empowered to hold a new election for officers to serve the 
balance of the quarter. Ordered to be recorded. 

P. G. C. Barton offered the following : 

Whereas, Excelsior Lodge, No. 1, of Philadelphia, organized but little 
more than four months since, and now numbering 300 members, in order to 
more fully carry on the work begun in Philadelphia, have respectfully made 
application to this Grand Lodge for a dispensation to make their first officers 
Past Officers ; and whereas, the Grand Lodge of D. C., fully recognizing 
the great interest Excelsior Lodge has taken in endeavoring to spread the 
Order ; and desiring to extend to them all the facilities in our power for so 
doing : therefore, be it 

Resolved, That John Jay Fisher, Wm. H. Wartman, Geo. W. Pugh, Wm. 



48 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

A. Porter, John W. Hencill, James McDevitt, Jos. Hermann, and John Brown, 
M. D., be, and they are, hereby declared to be Past Chancellors of the Knights 
of Pythias, of the State of Pennsylvania, entitled to all the amenities and 
privileges of Past Chancellors of the Order. 

On motion, the rules were suspended, to take up the resolu- 
tion. An amendment was offered to insert after the names, the 
names of the Recording Scribes and Bankers of Nos. 5, 6, 7, 
and 8 Lodges, which was laid on the table. The resolution 
then passed, after debate, by a vote of 17 to 7. 

On motion, Friendship Lodge, No. 8, was allowed to keep 
open their charter six months from its date. 

A communication was read from Union Lodge, No. it, I. O. 
O. F., instructing the Grand Lodge to turn over all money for 
hall rent to Parker Hall Sweet, Secretary of the Grand Lodge of 
Odd-Fellows, until further orders. 

Communications were read from Mount Vernon Lodge — one 
requesting a new First Degree Work, in lieu of the one taken by 
the Grand Officers to Philadelphia, and one requesting a charter 
from the Grand Lodge, in lieu of the one granted by the Past 
Chancellors of Franklin Lodge. The requests contained in the 
communications were granted. 

Representative Garrett offered the following : 

Resolved, That Article 6, Section 9, requiring elective officers of Subordi- 
nate Lodges to serve in the capacity of O. S., and progress upward to the 
Chair of W. C, be annulled, and insert " from Financial Scribe." 

A motion was made to suspend the rules, to take up the reso- 
lution ; which was laid on the table. The resolution was laid 
over. 

Representative Allen offered the following : 

Resolved, That Recording Scribe Theodore Sniffm, of Liberty Lodge, No. 
6, Knights of Pythias, be, and is hereby entitled to receive the Grand Lodge 
Degree. 

The resolution was taken up, discussed, and then laid upon 
the table. 

Several amendments to the Grand Lodge Constitution were 
then offered by P. G. C. Barton, and laid over. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 49 

The Grand Lodge then went into nominations for Grand 
Officers, with the following result : 

For Grand Chancellor, P. C.'s Westwood, Carrigan, Childs, 
King, and P. G. C. Barton; for Vice Grand Chancellor, P. C.'s 
Carrigan, Kronheimer, Smith, Johnson, Sears, and King; for 
Grand Recording Scribe, P. C.'s Westwood, Okey, and P. G. 
C. Barton; for Grand Financial Scribe, P. C.'s Cross, Okey, 
Curtin, Wood, and Johnson ; for Grand Banker, P. C.'s Martin, 
Westwood, and G. C. Dunn ; for Grand Guide, Cross, Wood, 
Sears, Johnson, Okey, Kronheimer, and Curtin ; for Grand Inner 
Steward, P. C.'s Westwood, Wood, Childs, Sears, and P. G. C. 
Barton ; for Grand Outer Steward, P. C. Martin, and P. G. C. 
Barton. 

On motion of P. G. C. Barton, a committee on printing was 
appointed, with full power to have all necessary printing done for 
the Order. P. G. C. Barton, P. C. Carrigan, and P. C. Okey, 
Committee. 

Receipts, $65.21; expenditures, for hall rent, $9.37. 

The Grand Lodge then adjourned. 

July 15, 1867. 

A special session was held, G. C. Edw. Dunn in the chair. 
' An application for a charter for Keystone Lodge, No. 2, of 
Philadelphia, was received, dated June 29, 1867 — charter fee 
enclosed, and twenty-six signatures attached. 

On motion of P. C. D. Carrigan, the charter was granted, and 
P. C. Harry Kronheimer deputized to proceed to Philadelphia 
on the following Thursday and install the officers and initiate the 
members of the new Lodge. 

Receipts — Charter fee $10 00 

Expenditures — Travelling expenses to H. Kronheimer 10 00 

Adjourned. 

July 23, 1867. 
An annual session was held. The Grand Lodge assembled and 
was opened in due form. 

Present: J. H. Rathbone, Venerable Gra?id Patriarch; 
Edw. Dunn, Grand Chancellor ; C. M. Barton, Grand Record- 
5 D 



50 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

ing Scribe ; Wm. M. Childs, Grand Financial Scribe ; John H. 
King, Grand Banker; Wm. P. Westwood, Grand Guide ; R. 
T. Johnson, Grand Inner Steward. 

Prayer by V. G. P. J. H. Rathbone. 

The proceedings of the regular quarterly and special sessions 
were read and approved. 

The credentials of P. C.'s Coppes, Wm. A. Porter, and Reps. 
Wallace, Curry, and Ashe, of Excelsior Lodge, No. i, of Phila- 
delphia, were found correct, and the Brothers admitted and 
instructed. 

The Committee on Printing reported having procured 200 
copies blank Quarterly Reports, 200 Odes, and 100 Withdrawal 
Cards. The report was received. 

The report of the Finance Committee was, upon motion of P. 

C. R. T. Johnson, laid over until the adjourned session, and 
Rep. Allen, of No. 6, appointed to serve upon the committee 
in place of P. C. Childs, who declined — the committee now 
standing as follows : P. G. C. Rathbone and P. C. Scott and 
Rep. Allen. 

An application for a charter for Chosen Friends Lodge, No. 
3, of Philadelphia, dated July 20, 1867, was then read — charter 
fee enclosed, and signed by the requisite number. 

The charter was unanimously granted, and the G. C. appointed 

D. G. C. W. H. Myers, P. C.'s Coppes, Porter, and Hencill, 
of Pennsylvania, and G. G. Kronheimer, of D. C, to initiate and 
install the new Lodge. 

On motion of P. C. Coppes, Keystone Lodge, No. 2, was 
empowered to keep open their charter until October 26, 1867. 

P. C. R. T. Johnson moved that the action of the Grand 
Lodge in February last, (26th,) declaring illegal the action of 
Mount Vernon Lodge, in levying the $1 tax upon its members, in 
the case of the death of a Brother, be repealed. After consider- 
able debate upon the subject, the motion was adopted. 

P. C. C. W. Okey moved the nomination of officers be re- 
opened ; lost. 

On motion of P. C. J. S. Martin the Grand Lodge went into 
an election for officers for the ensuing year. P. C.'s Porter and 
Coppes, of No. 1, Pa., were appointed tellers. 






COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 5 I 

P. G. C. Barton withdrew his name for the office of Grand 
Chancellor, and the first ballot resulted as follows, viz. : Carri- 
gan, 14; Westwood, 13; Childs, 7; King, 3 — no choice. P. 
C.'s Childs and King withdrew their names. Second ballot: 
Westwood, 22; Carrigan, 16; necessary to a choice, 20. P. C. 
Westwood was therefore declared elected Grand Chancellor. 

For Vice Grand Chancellor, P. C.'s Smith and King with- 
drew their names, and the ballot resulted as follows : Carrigan, 
19 ; Kronheimer, 10 ; Johnson, 7. P. G. Carrigan was declared 
elected Vice Grand Chancellor. 

For Grand Recording Scribe, P. G. C. C. M. Barton was 
unanimously elected. There being no opposition candidate, P. 
G. C. Rathbone cast the vote of the Lodge. 

Grand Financial Scribe — First ballot : Cross, 8; Okey, 13; 
Wood, 9 — no choice. Second ballot: Cross, 10; Okey 13; 
Wood, 8 — no choice. P. C. Wood withdrew his name. Third 
ballot: Okey, 19; Cross, 12. P. C. Okey was declared elected 
Grand Financial Scribe. 

For Grand Banker, P. G. C. Dunn withdrew his name, and 
there being but one nominee — P. C. J. S. Martin — he was 
declared unanimously elected. There being no opposing candi- 
date, P. G. C. Rathbone cast the vote for the Grand Lodge. 

Grand Guide, P. C. Sears withdrew his name. First ballot • 
Cross, 4; Wood, 6; Kronheimer, 12; Curtin, 5— no choice 
Second ballot — P. C. Curtin withdrew— Cross, 4; Wood, 8- 
Kronheimer, 14. P. C. Kronheimer was declared elected Grand 
Guide. 

For Grand Inner Steward— Wood, 17; Childs, 1. P. C. 
Wood was declared elected. 

For Grand Outer Steward, the following nominations were 
made : P. G. C. Rathbone and P. C. Lawson. The vote stood 
as follows: P. G. C. Rathbone, 11 ; P. C. Lawson, i 3 . The 
latter was declared duly elected. 

G. C. Dunn then installed his successor, who, in turn, in- 
stalled the remaining newly elected officers. 

On motion of P. G. C. Rathbone, the thanks of the Grand 
Lodge were tendered to the late Grand Chancellor, for his effi- 
ciency during the past year. 



52 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Several amendments to the Ritual were then offered by P. G. 
C. Barton, and laid over according to rule. 

The case of Croton Fletcher was also disposed of, by empow- 
ering any Lodge in the District to initiate and confer the three 
degrees upon him for five dollars. 

The following rates of tariff, for Grand Lodge revenue, were 
determined upon : 

Withdrawal Cards, each 25 

Odes, each 5 

Ritual — 1st set $20 00 

" 2d set , 10 00 

Installation Work, per set 1 50 

The following resolution was offered and adopted : 

Resolved, That members of defunct Lodges who were not in good stand- 
ing at the time of the decease of their Lodge, and who apply for admission 
into the Order, can receive a card from this Grand Lodge by paying the 
amount standing against them upon the books of their respective Lodges. 

The Grand Lodge adjourned until August 15. 

RECEIPTS. 

Chosen Friends Lodge, No. 3, Pa., charter fee $10 00 

Excelsior Lodge, No. I, Pa., percentage 62 27 

" " " Rituals 2000 

Total 92 27 

APPROPRIATIONS. 

To Printing Committee $30 00 

C. M. Barton, services 25 00 

P. C. F. Coppes, of Pa., travelling expenses ~ 10 00 

Total 65 00 

During the year the Lodges had paid to the Grand Lodge 

as percentage $3^9 77 

The total receipts for the year were 576 79 

Total expended 347 01 

Leaving a balance in hands of newly elected Banker of $229 78 

The Order now numbered eight Lodges, namely, Franklin, 
No. 2 ; Mount Vernon, No. 5 ; Liberty, No. 6 ; Webster, No. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 53 

7 ; and Friendship, No. 8, of the District of Columbia ; and Ex- 
celsior, Keystone, and Chosen Friends, of Philadelphia. 

The quarterly report of No. i Lodge, of Philadelphia, showed 
that the experiment of planting the Order outside of the Dis- 
trict had by no means been a failure ; but, on the contrary, its 
principles seemed to be disseminated as if by magic, and those 
who embrace them, saw, by the very simplicity of the work, and 
the practical lessons taught, by the Ritual, a glorious future for 
the Order in the State of Pennsylvania and elsewhere. 

CLARENCE M. BARTON, P. G. C, 

Grand Recording Scribe. 

officers' term expiring JULY, 1 868. 

Edw. Dunn, Venerable Grand Patriarch ;Wm. P. Westwood, 
Grand Cha?icellor ; Daniel Carrigan, Vice Grand Chancellor ; 
Clarence M. Barton, Grand Recording Scribe ; C. W. Okey, 
Grand Financial Scribe ; Joseph S. Martin, Grand Banker ; 
Harry Kronheimer, Grand Guide ; Francis Wood, Grand Inner 
Steward ; Richard Lawson, Grand Outer Steward. 

Residence of Grand Chancellor — Georgia Avenue, bet. 3d 
and 4th Streets East. 

Residence of Grand Recording Scribe — 9 th Street East, one 
door below E Street South, Washington, D. C. 

ADDENDA. 

The original meeting, when the work of the Order of the 
Knights of Pythias was first read, took place at the house No. 
369 F Street, between 8th and 9th Streets, Washington, D. C. ; 
the following gentlemen being present (as the members of a 
musical association known as the " Arion Glee Club ") : Messrs. 
R. A. Champion, E. S. Kimball, D. L. Burnett, W. H. Burnett, 
Roberts, and Driver. Each of these gentlemen were then and 
there duly obligated by Mr. Rathbone, and afterwards resolved 
themselves into individual committees to obtain the names of 
proper persons to form the first Lodge. This meeting took place 
Monday evening, February 15, 1864, and on the following Wed- 
nesday morning Mr. Rathbone informed Mr. J. T. K. Plant of 
5* 



54 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

the object of the meeting, and solicited him to join the Order. 
Mr. Rathbone had, however, read the Ritual to Mr. R. A. 
Champion, privately, at his own room, a few evenings previous 
to the above meeting. 

The Ritual was written by Mr. J. H. Rathbone, originally, in 
the town of Eagle Harbor, Houghton (now Keewenaw) County, 
Lake Superior, Michigan, in the winter of i860 and 1861. 



A Synopsis of the Origin and History of the Knights of 

Pythias. 

THIS young and growing Order originated in the city of 
Washington, D. C, upon the 19th day of February, 1864, 
the first Lodge of the Order being instituted at that date, at 
Temperance Hall, in that city ; upon the 8th of April following 
a Grand Lodge for the District of Columbia was organized, and 
commenced the organization of Subordinate Lodges. Franklin 
Lodge, No. 2, was instituted under a charter from the Grand 
Lodge upon the 12th of April, 1864; upon the 19th of May, 
1864, Columbia Lodge, and upon the 2d day of June, in the 
same year, Potomac Lodge were organized. In the following 
year, upon February 1st, Alexandria Lodge was constituted at that 
city in the State of Virginia, and from that time up to the spring 
of 1866 but little progress or increase of the membership was 
had. Upon the 18th day of April, 1866, Mount Vernon Lodge, 
in the District of Columbia, was organized, and in May follow- 
ing, the ritual and work of the Order was revised, and the Order, 
so far as its work is concerned, placed substantially upon the 
basis that it occupies to-day. Upon July 30th of this year, a 
new lodge, to be known as Liberty Lodge, was instituted at the 
Navy- Yard. Upon the 23d day of February, 1867, Excelsior 
Lodge, No. 1, was properly instituted at the city of Philadelphia, 
in the State of Pennsylvania, and in July following Keystone 
Lodge was organized in the same city. These Lodges were the 




FAITH. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 55 

cradle of the Order in the territory that to-day is the banner 
State of the Order, there being in the State of Pennsylvania at 
this time four hundred and thirty lodges, with a membership of 
over forty thousand members. In November of this year the 
Order was introduced into the State of Maryland by the organi- 
zation of Golden Lodge and Monumental Lodge, in the city of 
Baltimore. In the next month, December 12th, 1867, Lodges 
Nos. 1 and 2, the first at Mount Holly, the second at Camden, 
introduced the Order into the State of New Jersey. 

Early in the year 1868 the Order obtained a footing in the 
State of Delaware by the instituting of Lodges Nos. 1, 2, and 3. 
In April, 1868, the Order was introduced into the State of Loui- 
siana. On June 9th, 1868, a convention of delegates, appointed 
from the States in which the Order had obtained a lodgment, 
convened at the city of Washington, D. C, adopted a constitu- 
tion under and by which the Supreme Lodge of the World was 
organized, and established as the head of the Order, upon the 
nth day of August following. In May of this year Rathbone 
Lodge was duly organized in the city of New York, thus intro- 
ducing the fraternity to the Empire State. In a short time the 
Order made its advent into the golden State of California, next 
into the State of West Virginia, and upon the 3d of December 
-it entered into the State of Nebraska. During the years 1867 
and 1868 lodges were instituted in the States of Massachusetts, 
New Hampshire, Connecticut, and other New England States ; 
also in the States of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, and Ken- 
tucky, in all of which it has and holds a large and growing mem- 
bership ; also in the States of Missouri and Kansas ; and closely 
following upon this, the heyday and vigor of its youth, it has 
gone on from conquering to conquest until it has obtained a 
footing and a home in nearly all the States and Territories of the 
Union, passed into the British Provinces of North America, and 
has a name and a home in the Islands of the sea ; crossed the 
Atlantic Ocean and founded lodges in the kingdom of Great 
Britain. This is a hurried history of its rise, its youth, its young 
and vigorous manhood. To-day it has a membership of over 
'one hundred thousand, and it can hardly be said to be of age, 



56 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

for this is but the XII. Pythian Period. Based upon the old 
story of Damon and Pythias, it seeks to inculcate the worth and 
beauty of such a friendship. Its cardinal principles are Friend- 
ship, Charity, and Benevolence ; its mottoes and teachings, Be 
generous, brave, and true. 



Objects and Aims of Knights of Pythias. 

ANYTHING that has for its object the advancement of hu- 
man happiness or human intellect ; anything that tends to 
the melioration of the condition of mankind, or to lessen 
the ills and miseries incident to human life ; anything that draws 
closer the ties of human sympathy, and strengthens the bonds of 
brotherhood between man and man, is not only worthy of appro- 
bation, but of the warmest support and admiration. That such 
are the objects of the Knights of Pythias, none who have taken 
the trouble to investigate its principles and operations will at- 
tempt to deny. When the Almighty Architect of the Universe 
spake, and this sphere which we inhabit burst into light and love- 
liness, every fundamental principle on which our Order is based 
was stamped with the signet of Omnipotence upon her young 
and unstained being there to remain in legible and enduring 
characters as constituent elements of her perpetuity and exist- 
ence. Friendship then wove her silken bonds; Charity 
breathed forth her strains of mutual sympathy and confiding 
tenderness ; while Benevolence — above — around — beneath — 
shed forth her blaze of living light, as pure and unsullied as the 
rays that emanate from the throne of the eternal God. Upon 
these three pillars rests the structure of our Order — around them 
cluster our brightest hopes and fondest anticipations. Here the 
venerated patriarchs of our ancient and honorable institution, in 
by-gone days, have worshipped ; and with unstained hands have 
transmitted down through the lapse of time the sublime myste- 
ries, the sacred rights, the solemn and eternal truths unfolded to 




CHARITY. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXTBOOK. S7 

those who enter within the arena of our Temple, and bow as sin- 
cere supplicants to the inner veil of our altars. 

We shall prove that the Order of the Knights of Pythias is calcu- 
lated for the most extensive moral good. It is evident, that in 
order to collect an assemblage of persons, and continue and in- 
crease them as a body, there must be two powerful motives of 
action : first, curiosity to collect ; secondly, pleasure and some 
useful end in view to continue them. The singularity of the 
title of "Knights of Pythias," is better adapted to excite curi- 
osity than any other ; it fills the mind with a desire to know what 
is meant by it, and such desire is seldom appeased until the mys- 
tery is unravelled by becoming a brother — Friendship, Charity, 
and Benevolence, all combine to fill the mind of every new 
member with satisfaction and surprise, far exceeding his most 
sanguine expectations. 

Some Useful End in View to Continue Them. — The 
principles of the Knights of Pythias are those of humanity and 
religion : its object is to promote the general good of mankind, 
and spread abroad the lights of morality and knowledge ; it not 
only benefits the common cause of philanthropy, but insures to 
its members in the hour of adversity and tribulation, a source of 
safety and comfort that none, save the arm of Omnipotence, can 
destroy. 

A parent's affection may change ; the friendship of the world 
may turn to hatred, and even love may be transformed to loath- 
ing and disgust, but the ties that bind us together are never sun- 
dered ; our claims of brotherhood are only dissolved by death — 
no, not even death can rend them — they descend to the widow 
and orphan. The language of our Order is more potent than 
any strain of eloquence that ever fell upon the human ear. A 
stranger, penniless and friendless, in a foreign land, breathes its 
tones, and his necessities are relieved. Sickness comes and lays 
its paralyzing hand upon him, and though no friends or relatives 
are near, a brother of the " mystic tie " administers to his wants 
and soothes his distresses. The sick among our brethren are not 
left to the cold hand of public charity; they are visited, and 
their wants provided for out of the funds they themselves have 



58 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

contributed to raise, and which, in time of need, they honorably 
claim, without the humiliation of suing parochial or individual 
relief — from which the freeborn mind recoils with disdain, until 
overwhelmed in insufferable want and misery. We are obliged, 
if need be, to perform the last solemn offices to the remains of a 
departed brother, and see him consigned with respectful decency 
to the bosom of our mother earth. To the living, our fraternal 
solicitude is no less exercised. It is our enjoined duty to watch 
over the conduct of our brethren, even in their common inter- 
course with men, as well as one 'with another; and to remon- 
strate with those who wander from the paths of rectitude, or 
trespass upon the rules of morality. In all ages and in all coun- 
tries, our Order has stood forth the champion of liberty and 
religion ; wherever she has erected an altar for her worshippers, 
she has also dedicated a temple to science and refinement. It is 
not necessary to go back and trace the progress of our Order 
from its establishment down to the present period, or point out 
in detail its deeds and history. Suffice it to say, that thousands 
of years ago, the Egyptian astrologer found in our temples the 
secrets of astronomy ; and the Chaldean shepherd, in his mid- 
night watch, as he gazed upward to the starry heavens, drew 
from our oracles the sublime truth, that there were worlds un- 
known, incalculable and immense, and that over all presided an 
unknown and mysterious, yet Omnipotent power. Since that 
time, during succeeding centuries, we behold an Eastern Magi 
— the devout Jew — the intellectual and versatile Greek — the 
proud and haughty Roman — bending at its shrine and burning 
incense upon its altar. Emerging from the gloom of the Middle 
Ages, we see in it the animating spirit in the revolution that suc- 
ceeded, and rolling onward with the tides of science and civili- 
zation — from nation to nation, from country to country — it has 
crossed the Atlantic, and found on freedom's soil a fostering hand 
and genial clime. True it is, that storms have howled around ; 
and at times we behold it glimmering like the pale of morn, 
"between light and darkness on the horizon's verge ; " yet the 
storm has passed away, and again it has burst forth in renewed 
strength and beauty. Protected by the shield of Omnipotence, 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. $g 

it has set at defiance the power of despotism, the machinations 
of bigotry, and the wily intrigues of the fawning hypocrite. 

It has been said that ours is a secret Order, and that secrecy 
is disconsonant with innocence. True it is that we are in part 
a secret society — but is secrecy a crime ? The world itself, 
the universe, the God of eternal truth, are surrounded with an 
impenetrable veil that no mortal eye ever pierced ; and shall it 
be denied that these exist because their arcana are not revealed 
at our bidding ? Shall we pronounce them evil because their 
operations are hidden from our view, and above all, our com- 
prehension ? Again, who can define the mind ? who unfold its 
constituent elements and hidden springs? The earthquake — 
at whose shock nations tremble, and countries become desolate 
— has been accounted for, and its most secret particles revealed 
and analyzed. The lightning, that plays in bright yet fearful 
beauty amid the storm, has been traced home to the bosom of 
the cloud which it left, and its minutest principles investigated 
and developed ; but who has traced to its home the lightning of 
the mind? Who analyzed those mental earthquakes that have 
shaken the moral world to its very centre, and diffused light and 
knowledge amid the abodes of ignorance and superstition ? And 
shall the emanation of genius, the music of the poet's lyre, the 
xonceptions of the gifted intellect, the tones of spirit-stirring 
eloquence, be rejected because the sources from whence they 
emanated are hidden from our view, and beyond the reach of 
our intellect ? So far from secrecy being an objection to our 
Order, we claim it as a recommendation. It is the mystic tie 
that binds us together in indissoluble brotherhood ; prompting 
us to deeds of virtue and benevolence ; it comes and entwines 
itself around our fraternity, like the refreshing, yet invisible 
breeze, that at summer noontide fans our forehead, invigorating 
the system with its coolness, and gladdening our hearts with its 
freshness and purity. In this respect we have the sanction of 
ages. We challenge any one to point out a single nation or people, 
whose career is sketched on the page of history, among whom 
there did not exist secret institutions. To go further, there is 
not an enlightened government now existing on the globe, 



60 THE KNIGHTS OE PYTHIAS, ETC. 

that does not permit the legislative councils to resolve them- 
selves into a secret conclave. Even in our own country, under 
our own constitution, Congress can close its doors, and sit for 
days — for weeks — for months — concocting measures of vital 
importance to forty millions of freemen, and should any mem- 
ber of that body dare to reveal its operations, he would subject 
himself to the severest censure, if not expulsion. 

To be initiated as a member of our Order is not, as many sup- 
pose, " to take a leap in the dark." The fundamental principles 
of the Order are before the world ; its deeds are not concealed 
from public scrutiny; while the Constitution and Laws of 
our society are within the reach of all who wish to examine 
them. But there are mysteries within the inner veil of our 
altars, that none except the members of the fraternity are per- 
mitted to behold. Solemn and sublime truths are here incul- 
cated that have never reached the ear of any, save those who 
have proved themselves worthy of the sacred trust. They have 
remained there for ages, hallowed archives in the sanctuary of 
our temple — and have never crossed its portals ; and there we 
hope they will ever remain, unsullied, inviolate, and untarnished. 

Our Order is the handmaid of virtue and religion, and it must 
flourish ; it calls into life and action the best and holiest feelings 
of our nature, and success must crown our efforts. Poets have 
bound their brows with wreaths of immortality; orators have 
reared eternal monuments to their names ; conquerors have had 
their trophies, but the pathway to glory of these is often watered 
by the despairing tears of the widow and orphan, whilst the tro- 
phies which lay at the feet of our altars, are the result of the 
principles of ''good will toward men," and the proud achieve- 
ments of lives spent in the cause of benevolence and virtue, 
unsullied by crime and unstained by a tear, unless it be a tear 
of gratitude and joy. Our course is onward, and we may look 
forward with confidence to a day, not far distant, when our 
society shall find an abiding place in every village and hamlet 
of our land, and the smoke of our altars shall go up from a 
thousand hills. 




BENEVOLENCE. 



CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS 

OF THE 

SUPREME LODGE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

OF THE WORLD. 

Adopted at the Session held at Pittsburg; Pa., Session of 1874. Pythian 
Period XL 



CONSTITUTION. 



ARTICLE I. 

SUPREME LODGE. POWERS. 

Section i. The Supreme Lodge is the source of all true and 
legitimate authority in the Order of Knights of Pythias where- 
soever established ; it possesses original and exclusive jurisdiction 
and power — 

1. To establish, regulate and control the Forms, Ceremonies, 
written and unwritten Work, and to change, alter and annul 
the same, and to provide for the safe-keeping and uniform teach- 
ing and dissemination of the same. 

2. To provide, print, and furnish all Rituals, Forms, Ceremo- 
nies, Cards and Odes, Charts and Certificates. 

3. To prescribe the form, material, and color of all Regalia, 
Emblems, Jewels, and Charts, and to designate the uniform of 
the Order. 

4. To provide for the emanation and distribution of all pass- 

6 61 



62 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

words, and regulate the mode and manner of using the same, and 
generally to prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to 
secure the safe and easy intercourse and identification of the 
brethren. 

5. To establish the Order in States, Districts, Territories, 
Provinces or countries where the same has not been engrafted. 

6. To provide a revenue for the Supreme Lodge by means of 
a representative tax on each Grand Lodge and charges for sup- 
plies furnished by it, and dues from Subordinate Lodges under 
its immediate jurisdiction. 

7. To provide for annual returns from each Grand Lodge, and 
for semi-annual returns from each Subordinate Lodge under its 
immediate jurisdiction. 

8. To hear and determine all appeals from Grand and Subor- 
dinate Lodges, when the same are properly brought before it in 
accordance with the regulations of the Order, and to provide by 
legislation for the enforcement of its decisions. 

9. To enact laws and regulations of general application to 
carry into effect the foregoing and all other powers reserved by 
this Constitution to the Supreme Lodge or its officers, and such 
as may be necessary to enforce its legitimate authority over Grand 
and Subordinate Lodges under its immediate jurisdiction. 

10. To charter Grand Lodges and to define the territorial 
extent of their jurisdiction, and to charter Subordinate Lodges 
not within the territorial jurisdiction of any Grand Lodge, and 
to provide a Constitution for each Subordinate Lodge under its 
immediate jurisdiction. 

ARTICLE II. 

HOW CONSTITUTED. 

Section i. The Supreme Lodge shall consist of: 

1. All Past Supreme Chancellors. 

2. Past Supreme Chancellor. 

3. Supreme Chancellor (presiding officer). 

4. Supreme Vice Chancellor. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 63 

5. Supreme Prelate. 

6. Supreme Master of Exchequer. 

7. Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal. 

8. Supreme Master at Arms. 

9. Supreme Inner Guard. 
10. Supreme Outer Guard. 

n. Two Supreme Representatives from each Grand Lodge 
under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge, until there are 
20,000 members belonging to one Grand Lodge ; and one Su- 
preme Representative for each additional 10,000 members ; Pro- 
vided, That no Grand Lodge shall be entitled to more than four 
Supreme Representatives. 

Sec. 2. Supreme Representatives must be Past Grand Chan- 
cellors in good standing in their respective Grand and Subordi- 
nate Lodges, and shall be elected as follows : At the next annual 
election after the adoption of this Constitution, and annually 
thereafter, each Grand Jurisdiction shall elect in the mode pro- 
vided for electing Grand Lodge Officers in the Constitution of 
the respective Grand Lodges, one Supreme Representative to 
serve for two years ; Provided, That each Supreme Representa- 
tive now admitted shall continue in office to the expiration of 
his present term. In the case of the vacancy in the office of Su- 
preme Representative, from death, removal, or any other cause, 
the Grand Lodge which he represented shall determine how 
such vacancy shall be filled. At the organization of any new 
Grand Lodge two Supreme Representatives shall be elected, one 
to serve for one year and one to serve for two years. And, pro- 
vided further, Where any Grand Jurisdiction is entitled, under 
the provisions of this Constitution, to more than two Supreme 
Representatives, the additional Representative or Representa- 
tives shall be elected bi-annually, in conformity to this Consti- 
tution, and in such a manner that if there are four Representa- 
tives the terms of two thereof shall expire each alternate year. 

Each Officer and Supreme Representative shall be entitled to 
one vote in determining any question before the Supreme Lodge, 
and each Past Supreme Chancellor shall be entitled to discuss 
any question, but not to vote. 



64 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Sec. 3. All Past Grand Chancellors duly recognized by the 
Supreme Lodge, shall be admitted to its sessions and be entitled 
to seats therein, but shall not be entitled to speak unless by per- 
mission of the Supreme Lodge, and shall not be entitled to vote. 

Sec. 4. No one shall be eligible to any office in the Supreme 
Lodge unless he has been duly admitted to the Supreme Lodge 
by being either a Representative or a Past Grand Chancellor. 

ARTICLE III. 

DUTIES OF OFFICERS. 

Section i. The Past Supreme Chancellor shall have charge 
of and supervise the arrangement of the altar or any other neces- 
sary floor work. 

Sec. 2. The Supreme Chancellor shall exercise, as occasion 
may require, all the rights appertaining to his high office, in ac- 
cordance with the usages of the Order. He shall have a watch- 
ful supervision over all Lodges, Grand and Subordinate, and see 
that all the constitutional enactments, rules, and edicts of the 
Supreme Lodge are duly and promptly observed, and that 
the dress, work, and discipline of the Order everywhere are 
uniform. 

Among his special prerogatives are the following : 

To call Special Sessions of the Supreme Lodge, or Conven- 
tions of Supreme Officers in Council. 

To visit any Grand or Subordinate Lodge under the imme- 
diate jurisdiction of this Supreme Lodge, and to give such in- 
structions and directions as the good of the Order may require, 
always adhering to the obligatory usages of the Order. To cause 
to be executed and securely to preserve and keep the official 
bonds and securities of the Supreme Master of Exchequer and 
Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal. 

To grant Warrants of Dispensation during the recess of the 
Supreme Lodge, for the institution of new Subordinate Lodges, 
which Dispensations to be in force until taken up by Charters 
granted in lieu thereof by a properly instituted Grand Lodge, 






COMPLETE MANUAL aND TEXT-BOOK. 6$ 

and to promptly notify the Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal 
of the issuing of said Warrants of Dispensation. 

To grant Warrants of Dispensation, during the recess of the 
Supreme Lodge, for the institution of Grand Lodges in States, 
Countries, Districts, or Territories where the same have not been 
established. 

To manage the contingent fund of the Supreme Lodge, and 
suspend or remove any derelict or contumacious officer for cause, 
he having right of appeal to the Supreme Lodge, and to fill any 
vacancy by appointment until filled by regular election. 

To appoint and commission a Deputy Supreme Chancellor for 
special purposes of instituting Grand Lodges and installing their 
officers, or otherwise, as may be required, in all States, Districts, 
Territories, or Countries where Lodges are established, and not 
having any Grand Lodge. He shall, at the next regular session, 
present a full report of his acts during the recess of the Supreme 
Lodge. He may hear and decide such questions of law as may 
be submitted to him by Grand and Subordinate Lodges, under 
the immediate jurisdiction of this Supreme Lodge, and all such 
decisions shall be binding upon the bodies submitting the same, 
until fully passed upon and disaffirmed or reversed by this Su- 
preme Lodge. 

Sec. 3. The Supreme Vice Chancellor, in the event of the 
death, removal, or physical incompetency of his superior, shall 
act as Supreme Chancellor ; at all other times he shall perform 
such duties as may be assigned him by the Supreme Lodge or 
the Supreme Chancellor. 

Sec. 4. The Supreme Prelate shall open and close the Supreme 
Lodge with prayer, and perform all obligatory ceremonials as pre- 
scribed in the Ritual or usages of the Order, and such other duties 
as comport with his office. 

Sec. 5. The Supreme Master of Exchequer shall render to the 
Supreme Chancellor a quarterly statement of the condition of 
funds in his hands, and make to the Supreme Lodge, at its reg- 
ular sessions, a true and perfect account of his doings, together 
with an account of all moneys received and disbursed, giving 
items in detail — the earnings thereon accrued from interest or 
6* E 



66 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

other investments ; to pay all orders drawn on him by the Su- 
preme Chancellor, properly attested by the Supreme Keeper of 
Records and Seal. For the faithful performance of his duties, 
he shall give bond, to be executed and approved before his in- 
stallation, in the sum of ten thousand dollars, with unexception- 
able securities, or otherwise the office to be declared vacant, and 
filled by election. 

Sec. 6. The Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal shall keep 
a just and true record of all the proceedings of the Supreme 
Council and Lodge at each session, and transmit annually to 
each Grand Lodge as many copies thereof as the Lodge has Past 
Grand Chancellors and officers, and one copy for each Subordi- 
nate Lodge in their several jurisdictions, and one to each Lodge 
under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge. He 
shall collect all the revenues of the Supreme Lodge, and pay 
over the amount to the Supreme Master of Exchequer when- 
ever it reaches the sum of $100. He shall preserve the archives, 
have charge of the seal, books, papers, and other properties of the 
Supreme Lodge, and deliver the same to his successor when re- 
quired so to do by the Supreme Lodge. He shall prepare all 
Charters for Grand Lodges ; notify officially all Grand Lodges 
and officers and members of the Supreme Lodge of all sessions 
of the Supreme Lodge ; carry on the necessary correspondence 
of the Lodge ; keep a register which shall contain a list of all 
Dispensations and Charters granted to Grand, or Warrants of 
Dispensation issued by the Supreme Chancellor for Subordinate 
Lodges, and a record of all Past Grand Chancellors and Repre- 
sentatives entitled to seats in the Supreme Lodge. He shall at- 
test all necessary official papers and documents ; perform such 
other duties as are required by the laws and regulations of the 
Order, and as the Supreme Chancellor or Supreme Lodge may 
from time to time direct. He shall be furnished with an office, 
and shall have regular office hours, and give notice to all Grand 
Lodges of the time at which he will so attend, and at each ses- 
sion present a report of the general condition of the Order to 
the Supreme Lodge. He shall have power to provide himself, 
at the expense of the Supreme Lodge, with such books, papers, 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 67 

and stationery as are necessary for the fulfilment of his duties, 
and keep in his office a copy of the seal of each Grand and Sub- 
ordinate Lodge. He shall submit a quarterly trial balance to 
the Supreme Chancellor for examination, as also render to each 
regular session of the Supreme Lodge, full and exhaustive copies 
of his accounts with the Grand and Subordinate Lodges, etc., of 
and during the whole term of recess passed. He shall receive 
for his services the sum of seven hundred and fifty dollars per 
annum, payable quarterly. For the faithful performance of his 
duties he shall give bond, to be executed and approved before 
his installation, in the sum of ten thousand dollars, with unex- 
ceptionable securities, or otherwise the office to be declared 
vacant, and filled by election. 

Sec. 7. The duties of the Supreme Master-at-Arms, Inner and 
Outer Guards, are such as are traditionally appropriate to their 
respective stations, or such as may be assigned them by the Su- 
preme Lodge. 

Sec. 8. All Deputy Supreme Chancellors (of jurisdictions in 
which there are no Grand Lodges) shall install the officers of all 
Subordinate Lodges within their jurisdictions, or cause the same 
to be done, and perform such other duties as the Supreme Chan- 
cellor may direct. 

ARTICLE IV. 

SESSIONS. 

Sessions of the Supreme Lodge shall be held annually, at such 
time in the months of April, May, June, July, or August as the 
Supreme Lodge may at each annual session determine ; Pro- 
vided, That if the Supreme Lodge neglects to fix any special 
time, it shall convene on the third Tuesday of April. 

The place for the holding of each annual session shall be 
fixed at the preceding annual session; Provided, That if no 
place is fixed by the Supreme Lodge, the annual session shall 
be held in the citv of Baltimore. 



68 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

ARTICLE V. 

COMMITTEES. 

Section i . The following Committees shall be appointed an- 
nually by the Supreme Chancellor : 

Committee on Laws and Supervision. 

Committee on Finance. 

Committee on Appeals and Grievances. 

Committee on Credentials and Returns. 

Committee on Mileage. 

Committee on State of the Order. 

Committee on Written Work. 

Committee on Unwritten Work. 

Committee on Printing. 

Committee on Dispensations and Charters. 

Sec. 2. The Committee on Laws and Supervision shall, when 
such subjects are presented to the Supreme Lodge and duly 
referred to them, inquire into all cases of infraction of the estab- 
lished laws and regulations of the Order, and recommend such 
measures as they may deem expedient for correcting the innova- 
tion, and further consider and have charge of all matters coming 
within the purview of that committee. 

Sec. 3. The Committee on Finance shall examine the accounts 
of the Supreme Master of Exchequer and Supreme Keeper of 
Records and Seal, at each session, and whenever required so to 
do by the Supreme Lodge. They shall examine and pass upon all 
bills presented to the Supreme Lodge when in session, and, if 
correct, report, if approving the same, for economy or creating 
a remedy by legislation for all extravagant expenditures. They 
shall make estimates for and recommend appropriations of moneys 
for general or specific purposes during recess of the Supreme 
Lodge, and bring down an approximate estimate, based on past 
results, of the probable revenue likely to accrue ; and no expen- 
ditures of any character shall be made in excess of the appropria- 
tions then made until the next regular session. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 69 

Sec. 4. The Committee on Appeals and Grievances shall hear 
all appeals and grievances from Grand Lodges or members of 
Lodges referred to them by the Supreme Lodge, or Supreme 
Chancellor, and report thereon with the utmost dispatch. 

Sec. 5. The Committee on Credentials and Returns shall ex- 
amine and report on the returns of the Grand Lodges and 
Subordinate under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme 
Lodge, and the Credentials of all Past Grand Chancellors and 
Representatives to the Supreme Lodge. 

Sec. 6. The Committee on Mileage shall compute the mileage 
and per diem of all Supreme Officers and Representatives, at each 
regular or special called session, making out a proper, complete, 
and accurate roll of the same, and report the amount to which 
each one on the roll is entitled ; and no order shall be drawn for 
the same until said report is indorsed by a majority of the Com- 
mittee. 

Sec. 7. The Committee on State of the Order shall examine 
and report upon such portions of reports of the Supreme Officers 
and D. S. C.'s, so far as the same relate to the state of the 
Order, and upon such other matters as may be referred to them, 
presenting in their reports an exhibit of the condition and pro- 
gress of the Order, and recommending such measures for the 
good and prosperity of the whole Order as they may think the 
circumstances require. 

Sec. 8. The Committee on Written Work shall examine and 
report upon such parts of reports of the Supreme Officers or other 
matters referred to them pertaining to aH Written Work of the 
Order of a public nature, covering Regalias, Jewels, Charts, 
Certificates, Shields, Uniforms, Equipments or Public Ceremo- 
nials, Forms for and details of matters not properly of a secret 
nature. 

Sec. 9. The Committee on Unwritten Work shall examine 
and report upon such reports of the Supreme Officers or other 
matters referred to them of a nature that may be strictly private, 
or in consonance and keeping with the duties of the name of the 
committee. 

Sec. 10. The Committee on Printing shall have general super- 



yO THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

visory charge of and examine into all matters referred to or com- 
ing within the purview of their duties as suggested by their name ; 
make all contracts not otherwise provided for, compare mate- 
rials, qualities, and prices, analyze all bills submitted for printing, 
binding, and supplies, establish a standard style, quality, and 
grade of same, and report their findings and recommendations 
to the Supreme Lodge. 

Sec. ii. The Committee on Dispensations and Charters shall 
examine into all proper matters referred to them from the Su- 
preme Officers' reports ; they shall examine and report on all 
petitions for Warrants of Dispensation issued by the Supreme 
Chancellor for Subordinate or Grand Lodges, or applications for 
Charters for the same, approving or disapproving of the issuing 
of the same, and other general Dispensations, or D. S. C.'s 
Commissions issued during recess of the Supreme Lodge. 

-Sec. 12. Each of the above-named Committees shall consist 
of three members, and when serving on actual work during a 
recess, by order of the Supreme Lodge or of the Supreme Chan- 
cellor, shall have their necessary expenses paid. 



ARTICLE VI. 

MODE OF FORMING A GRAND LODGE. 

Section i. All Subordinate Lodges in jurisdictions where no 
Grand Lodge exists, shall be under the immediate control of 
this Supreme Lodge until the formation of a Grand Lodge for 
that jurisdiction, and shall pay to the Supreme Lodge, while 
under its control, fifty cents per capita tax on each member 
annually. 

Sec. 2. When there are five or more Subordinate Lodges es- 
tablished and in working order in any jurisdiction, they, through 
the Deputy Supreme Chancellor thereof, may petition the Su- 
preme Chancellor, who shall cause the Supreme Keeper of 
Records and Seal to notify each of the Lodges of that jurisdic- 
tion to elect two Representatives for the unexpired balance of 
the year, up to the 31st day of December following, on the first 






COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. J I 

meeting night of the Lodge after the receipt of the communi- 
cation. 

Sec. 3. The Past Chancellors of the five or more Lodges, 
together with the Representatives elect, shall meet at such place 
as may be specified by the Supreme Chancellor, and proceed to 
organize a Grand Lodge by electing a Past Grand Chancellor, 
Grand Chancellor, Grand Vice Chancellor, Grand Prelate, 
Grand Master of Exchequer, Grand Keeper of Records and Seal, 
Grand Master at Arms, Grand Inner Guard, Grand Outer Guard, 
all of whom must be Past Chancellors. 

Sec. 4. The Grand Lodge, as soon as organized, shall elect 
two Representatives to the Supreme Lodge, as prescribed in Sec- 
tion 2, Art. II. of the Constitution, and the said Representatives 
are hereby declared Past Grand Chancellors. 

Sec. 5. A notice of their organization', together with a list of 
their officers, shall be forwarded to the Supreme K. of R. and S., 
through the Supreme Chancellor, and the latter officer shall in- 
stall, or cause to be installed, by a Deputy Supreme Chancellor, 
the officers-elect of said Grand Lodge ; after which it shall pro- 
ceed to frame a Constitution and By-Laws for its own govern- 
ment, not inconsistent with the laws promulgated by this body. 

ARTICLE VII. 

OF GRAND LODGE. 

Section i. Grand Lodges exist by virtue of a Charter or Dis- 
pensation issued by authority of the Supreme Lodge, or Supreme 
Chancellor during its recess. They shall conform to the Ritual, 
Forms, Ceremonies, Work, Regalia, Jewels, Uniform, Charts, 
Shields, and Certificates, and regulations prescribed by the Su- 
preme Lodge, in accordance with this Constitution, and shall 
(subject to the provisions hereof and right of appeal) have ex- 
clusive original jurisdiction over all Subordinate Lodges within 
their territorial limit, and over the members attached to the 
same. 

Sec. 2. All power and authority not herein reserved to the Su- 



72 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

preme Lodge, is hereby delegated to the Grand Lodges, the Su- 
preme Lodge, however, reserving to itself the right, at any time, 
by proper amendments, duly adopted, to this Constitution, to re- 
sume any additional power necessary to promote the well-being 
and harmony of the Order. 

Sec. 3. Each Grand Lodge shall adopt a Constitution for its 
own government, and also a Constitution for its Subordinates, 
which Constitutions shall be in accordance with the provisions 
of this Constitution and the laws made in pursuance hereof. The 
Constitutions of Grand Lodges, and all amendments thereof, shall 
not go into effect until submitted to and approved by the Supreme 
Chancellor or Supreme Lodge. 

Sec. 4. Grand Lodges shall be composed only of Past Chan- 
cellors ; but said Grand Lodges may provide for a representative 
system, and may limit the rights and privileges of Past Chancel- 
lors on the floor of the Grand Lodge. 

Sec. 5. The officers of a Grand Lodge shall be as prescribed 
in Sec. 3 of Art. VI. of this Constitution, who shall be elected 
or appointed as the Constitutions of the respective Grand Lodges 
may prescribe, and who shall hold office for the term of one 
year. 

Sec. 6. Charters of Grand Lodges may be revoked, and Grand 
Lodges suspended, by the Supreme Lodge, for non-conformity 
to the Work, Ceremonies, or Ritual adopted by the Supreme 
Lodge ; for disobedience to its legal mandates, and for improper 
conduct. 



ARTICLE VIII. 

OF SUBORDINATE LODGES. 






Section i. Subordinate Lodges exist by virtue of Dispensa- 
tions issued by the Supreme Lodge through the Supreme Chan- 
cellor, or Charters granted in lieu thereof, or directly by the 
appropriate Grand Lodge ; but to each Grand Lodge, when 
formed, belongs the exclusive right to issue Charters to Lodges 
instituted within its prescribed territorial jurisdiction. 

Sec. 2. Grand Lodges shall prescribe a Constitution for the 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 73 

Subordinate Lodges within their jurisdiction ; but the following 
obligatory general rules or principles shall be incorporated into 
each Subordinate Lodge Constitution : 

i. A Lodge shall never consist of less than seven members of 
the Knight rank, and shall hold stated meetings at least once a 
week, at such an hour as may from time to time be determined 
upon ; Provided, That each Grand Lodge may allow meeting at 
longer intervals by a regular dispensation. 

2. Not less than seven members of the Knight rank shall con- 
stitute a quorum for the transaction of business, including one 
qualified to preside ; and if seven members only be present, no 
appropriations of money shall be made, unless it be by unani- 
mous consent. 

3. The Lodge shall transact all its business in the Knight 
rank, except the actual conferring of the Page or Esquire rank. 

4. The officers of a Subordinate Lodge shall be as provided 
in the Ritual of the Order. 

5. Nominations for the elective officers may be made on the 
night preceding, and on the night of election. 

6. Officers shall be installed at the first regular meeting in the 
new term, if unforeseen circumstances do not prevent ; but no 
officer shall be installed unless he has fully paid to his Lodge 
'the amount of all dues and claims of whatsoever nature then 
accrued. 

7. All vacancies by death, removal, suspension, resignation, 
or otherwise, shall be filled in the manner of the original selec- 
tion, to serve the residue of the term, and officers so serving 
shall be entitled to the honors of the term. 

8. No person shall be initiated into a Lodge of this Order 
who has not reached the legal age of majority in the country 
where the Lodge is located, nor unless he be a white male, of 
good moral character, sound in health, and a believer in a Su- 
preme Being. Every application for membership must be ac- 
companied with the initiation fee, the amount of which shall be 
fixed by each Grand Lodge ; Provided, That in no case shall the 
three ranks be conferred in North America for a less amount than 
ten dollars; Provided, further, That the Supreme Chancellor be, 

7 



74 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

and is, hereby authorized and empowered, upon the application 
of a Grand Lodge through its proper officers, to issue his Dis- 
pensations authorizing and permitting such jurisdiction to con- 
fer the three ranks of the Order for a sum not less than six dol- 
lars. 

9. Applications for initiation must be signed by the petitioner, 
stating his age, residence, and occupation, and endorsed by two 
Knights in good standing, who are members of the Lodge, which 
must be entered on the records, and the petition referred to a 
committee of three for investigation (neither of whom shall have 
recommended him), whose duty it shall be to report on the char- 
acter and qualifications of the petitioner at a regular meeting. 
The applicant shall then be balloted for, by secret ball ballot, 
and, if approved, he may be admitted. 

10. Should two black balls appear against a candidate, the 
ballot shall be renewed immediately. Should two or more ap- 
pear on the second ballot, he shall be declared rejected, and no 
other ballot shall be taken in his case for the space of six months 
thereafter. 

11. One week must elapse between the conferring of the Ranks 
in all cases, except the first four meetings of a new Lodge ; but 
in every instance one week must elapse between the application 
and the conferring of the initiatory rank of Page. 

(The above paragraph shall not apply to cases where Dispensa- 
tions are granted by a proper Grand Officer, or through his 
Deputy.) 

12. Any Brother of the Order, in good standing, desirous of 
becoming a member of a Lodge, shall make application as in the 
case of an uninitiated person, and accompany same with his with- 
drawal card from the Lodge of which he was last a member, or 
the card granted by the Grand Lodge in lieu thereof, which shall 
be referred to a committee of three, whose duty it shall be to 
report as to the standing and qualifications of the applicant at a 
regular meeting. The Brother shall then be balloted for by 
secret ball ballot, as in the case of an initiate. Any Brother who 
may have lost his card can have the same renewed by applying 
to the source from which it emanated. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 75 

13. No proposition for membership shall be withdrawn, unless 
by consent of the Lodge, after it has been referred to a com- 
mittee, and all cases so referred shall be balloted for upon the 
report of the committee, whether it be favorable or unfavorable. 

14. A candidate for membership, residing in a jurisdiction 
other than the one in which his proposition is offered, shall not 
be initiated without the written consent of the Lodge nearest his 
residence. 

15. No rank shall be conferred on a Brother who is a non- 
resident of the jurisdiction, or who is a member of another 
Lodge, without first obtaining the permission of the Lodge to 
which the Brother is attached. 

16. No rank shall be conferred, under any pretence whatever, 
unless the same shall have been previously paid for. 

1-7. Applications for withdrawal cards shall be made, either 
personally or in writing, to a Lodge, and a card thereupon shall 
be granted ; Provided, The Brother be clear of the books, free 
from charges made or pending, and there be no other valid ob- 
jection. 

18. Any withdrawal card may be revoked by a Lodge grant- 
ing the same, or ordered vacated by the proper Grand Lodge, 
or Grand Chancellor, at any time, for cause appearing, and 
when so revoked for the purpose of impeachment or trial, the 
person holding said card shall again become subject to the Lodge 
which issued same, in so far as concerns said impeachment or 
trial. Refusal to comply with proper citation in this connection 
shall constitute contempt. 

19. A withdrawal card can be renewed if lost or destroyed 
accidentally, and satisfactory evidence adduced from the holder 
and applicant, by the Lodge having granted the same, and upon 
such terms as the Lodge may determine. 

20. Each Lodge shall have a seal with appropriate devices, 
which shall be affixed to such cards, as well as to all official docu- 
ments emanating from the Lodge. 

21. A member who is one year in arrears shall be declared 
suspended ; Provided, Said member is not under charges. 

22. Lodges shall provide for carrying into effect the beneficial 



J§ THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

character of the Order, by providing for the payment of weekly 
benefits in case of disability, and funeral benefits in case of the 
death of a member ; and weekly benefits shall not be less than 
one dollar per week, nor funeral benefits less than twenty dollars. 

OF DELINQUENT OR DEFUNCT LODGES. 

Sec. 3. Any Grand or Subordinate Lodge may be suspended 
or dissolved, and its Charter or Dispensation forfeited to the Su- 
preme or the proper Grand Lodge : 

1. For improper conduct. 

2. For neglecting or refusing to conform to the Constitution, 
Laws, or Enactments of the Supreme or its Grand Lodge, or the 
general laws and regulations of the Order. 

3. For neglecting or refusing to make its returns, or for non- 
payment of dues or taxes to the Supreme or its proper Grand 
Lodge. But the Charter or Dispensation shall not be forfeited 
in either of the above cases, until the Lodge shall have been 
duly notified of its offence by the Supreme or proper Grand 
Keeper of Records and Seal, and suitable opportunity given to 
answer the charges made against it. 

4. For neglecting to hold the regular stated meetings as pro- 
vided by law, without a proper Dispensation therefor, or unless 
prevented from doing so by some unforeseen circumstance. 

5. By its membership diminishing, so that less than a consti- 
tutional quorum may be left. 

ARTICLE IX. 

QUORUM OF VOTES. 

A majority of the Grand Lodges shall constitute a quorum to 
transact business ; and a member of a Grand Lodge whose re- 
turns for the year and Supreme Representative tax have not been 
regularly and annually forwarded to the proper Supreme officers 
on or before the first day of March prior to any session of the 
Supreme Lodge, shall in no case be entitled to a vote, either by 
being an officer or Supreme Representative. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT- BOOK. 77 

ARTICLE X. 

REVENUE. 

Each Grand Lodge shall pay to the Supreme Lodge the sum 
of $75 annually for each Representative to which they are en- 
titled, and each Grand and Subordinate Lodge shall pay for sup- 
plies such sums as may be fixed in the By-Laws of the Supreme 
Lodge, and all work or supplies so ordered must be paid for 
when ordering, or on date of delivery. 

ARTICLE XI. 

MILEAGE. 

The Supreme Lodge shall pay the mileage and necessary ex- 
penses of its officers and Representatives to and while in Su- 
preme session, unless otherwise provided for. 

The mileage shall be at the rate of four cents per mile, and 
four dollars per day during the actual session of the body. 

ARTICLE XII. 

REGALIA. 

The Regalia of the Supreme, Grand, and Subordinate Lodges 
shall be such as is prescribed by the Supreme Lodge or adopted 
and approved from time to time at the regular sessions of the 
Supreme Lodge. 

ARTICLE XIII. 

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS OBLIGATORY. 

All Constitutional provisions contained in all Articles, Sec- 
tions, or paragraphs of this Constitution and By-Laws are obli- 
gatory, in every sense, on all Grand and Subordinate Lodges, 



?8 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Knights of Pythias, and all Grand or Subordinate Lodge laws 
in contravention or conflict herewith are rendered void of effect 
and illegal in enforcement, or, if enforced, are acts of contu- 
macy, liable and subject to proper punishment. 



ARTICLE XIV. 

LAWS, WHEN IN FORCE. 

All laws, enactments, or legislation of the Supreme Lodge, 
become of force from date of passage and publication. 

ARTICLE XV. 

SUPREME REPRESENTATIVES' REPORTS. 

Supreme Representatives' written reports to their Grand Lodges 
or Grand officers are official in so far as rendering a Supreme 
law operative in its effect prior to the issuance of the Journal of 
Proceedings or a General Order, and may be recognized until 
said Journal of Proceedings or General Orders are issued, when 
said general promulgation and issuance of the Journal or Orders, 
if differing from their reports in letter, spirit, or construction, 
it (Journal or Orders) must be immediately conformed to in every 
respect. 

ARTICLE XVI. 

PASSWORDS. 

The Supreme Chancellor shall have exclusive right of creation 
and promulgation of all passwords proper and fitting for the case 
involved — to rescind, call in, and change the same, if circum- 
stances require, or the exigencies of the case warrant — prescribe 
their application and use. 






COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. yg 

ARTICLE XVII. 

FOREIGN COUNTRIES. 

The Supreme Chancellor may authorize and establish the 
Order in foreign countries, arrange for and assent to the insti- 
tution of Grand Lodges therein, under proper reservations for 
mutual advantage, but, in all instances, exacting and holding 
intact the spirit, letter, and intent of this Constitution and By- 
Laws. 

ARTICLE XVIII. 

ANNUAL RETURNS. 

Each Grand Lodge, under the control of the Supreme Lodge, 
as also all Subordinate Lodges in any State, country, island, or 
territory, where there is no Grand Lodge legally at work or 
properly instituted, shall make out annual returns of its work and 
business in accordance with the form sent or delivered to them 
by the Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal, or other proper 
officer, and forward the same, with the legal dues or tax from 
that body to the Supreme Lodge, to said Supreme Keeper of 
Records and Seal, on or before the first day of March of each 
year, or, in default thereof, such Grand Lodge shall forfeit its 
right to representation at the next session of the Supreme Lodge. 

ARTICLE XIX. 

APPEALS AND WRITS OF ERROR. 

Section i. All appeals and writs of error, taken from the 
action or decision of a Grand Lodge, or a Subordinate Lodge 
under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge of the 
World, to said Supreme Lodge, as hereinafter provided, shall be 
received and passed upon by said Supreme Lodge, in its capacity 
of a court of last resort ; but in all cases, the action or decision 
of a Grand Lodge, or a Subordinate Lodge under the immediate 



80 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge, shall be final and conclusive 
until reversed by this Supreme Lodge, on appeals or prosecutions 
of a writ of error therefrom, as hereinafter provided. 

Sec. 2. An appeal may be taken from the action or decision 
of any Subordinate Lodge under the immediate jurisdiction of 
the Supreme Lodge of the World, to said Supreme Lodge, by 
any member of such Subordinate Lodge, or by any other person 
whose rights have been denied by such action or decision, upon 
giving written notice to said Subordinate Lodge, of said appeal, 
within two weeks from and after such action or decision. 

Sec. 3. With the consent of a Grand Lodge, an appeal may 
be taken by any Subordinate Lodge, or member under its juris- 
diction, from any action or decision of such Grand Lodge, to 
the Supreme Lodge of the World ; Provided, however, that such 
consent shall not be necessary, when a suspended or dissolved 
Lodge, after having surrendered to its Grand Lodge all its effects, 
books, and property, appeals from such decision : and, provided 
further, that any action or decision of a Grand Lodge, where 
is drawn in question any provision of the Constitution, or any 
enactment or authority of the Supreme Lodge of the World, 
and the action or decision is against the validity of such provi- 
sion, enactment, or authority, may be examined and reversed or 
affirmed in the Supreme Lodge of the World, upon a writ of 
error, to the same extent as could have been done upon an appeal 
legally taken from such action or decision. 

Sec. 4. Such writ of error, as provided for by the last section, 
may be issued by and upon petition to either the Grand Chan- 
cellor of the Grand Lodge, the action or decision of which is 
sought to be reviewed, the Supreme Chancellor or the Supreme 
Lodge of the World, in the case provided for in the last section, 
and in the order only as above named in this section. 

Sec. 5 . Consent of a Grand Lodge to appeal must be obtained 
at the same session at which the action or decision from which 
such appeal is sought to be taken, was had, and the proper record 
upon such appeal must be transmitted, properly attested, to the 
next session of the Supreme Lodge thereafter ; Provided, that the 
Supreme Lodge may, in extreme cases, allow the appeal to be 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 8 1 

entertained at not later than its next following session thereafter. 
The same rules shall also apply in the prosecution of a writ of 
error. 

Sec. 6. The Supreme Lodge of the World may also adopt such 
additional rules and regulations as may be deemed necessary and 
proper to fully carry into effect the foregoing provisions of this 
article. 

ARTICLE XX. 

APPLICATION FOR GRAND LODGE CHARTERS. 

Grand Lodges working under Dispensation issued by the Su- 
preme Chancellor must apply in regular course, by petition, for 
their Charter, at the first regular session after their institution ; 
which petition shall be accompanied by their Reports, Constitu- 
tion, and By-Laws, all of which shall be referred to the proper 
committees, when, the reports being favorable, and the Com- 
mittee on Charters and Dispensations reporting and recommend- 
ing that a Charter be issued, and the Supreme Lodge concurring 
therein, the Charter shall then be issued, but not otherwise. 

ARTICLE XXI. 

DEPUTY SUPREME CHANCELLOR HONORS. 

Any Knight to whom a commission as Deputy Supreme Chan- 
cellor shall be issued, in any State, country, territory, or island 
where the Order is not already established, or if so, where no 
Grand Lodge exists, shall be entitled to, and receive the rank 
of Past Chancellor; and if in a territory where the Order exists, 
and a Grand Lodge is instituted while he is in charge thereof, he 
shall be entitled to, and receive at the hands of this Supreme 
Lodge, the rank and grade of Past Grand Chancellor therefor ; 
except as above or as otherwise provided in this Constitution, 
the grade or rank of Past Grand Chancellor shall not be con- 
ferred upon any Past Chancellor who has not served as Grand 
Chancellor; Provided, That German D. D. G. C.'s, whose juris- 



82 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

diction is co-extensive with their State, have been elected or ap- 
pointed by the Grand Lodge, and who serve for three successive 
years, shall be entitled to the rank of P. G. C. 



ARTICLE XXII. 

DEPUTY SUPREME CHANCELLORS. 

All Past Grand or Past Chancellors of full rank, regularly 
authorized and commissioned by the Supreme Chancellor to 
institute Grand Lodges, or to travel under his instructions to 
exemplify the Work, shall be known, commissioned, and styled 
Deputy Supreme Chancellors. 

ARTICLE XXIII. 

EXPENSES OF INSTITUTING. 

The necessary expenses incident to travelling to any point and 
back to original starting-point, for the purpose of instituting any 
Subordinate or Grand Lodge, by the Supreme Chancellor or his 
Deputy, shall be paid by the Lodges instituted. 

ARTICLE XXIV. 

RANK CREDENTIALS. 

All Knights having Past Rank removing from one jurisdiction 
to another, and desiring to affiliate on a withdrawal card, must 
also present a Rank credential to entitle him to the same. 

ARTICLE XXV. 

BALLOT BLACK BALLS. 

Grand Lodges may legislate in their local law to prescribe that 
one black ball may reject, in cases of application for member- 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT- BO OK. 8$ 

ship, but shall not increase the same to more than as prescribed 
in the Supreme maximum of two. 



ARTICLE XXVI. 

SEALS. 

All Grand and Subordinate Lodges shall have an appropriate 
seal, bearing proper devices thereon, name, number, and loca- 
tion of the Lodge, with the date of its institution thereon, a good 
copy or impression of which shall be deposited with the Supreme 
Keeper of Records and Seal. 

ARTICLE XXVII. 

COMPILED PROCEEDINGS. 

It shall be obligatory on all Grand and Subordinate Lodges of 
this Order to have a full volume of Supreme Lodge Proceedings 
and Laws as issued on hand, for ready reference on law or usage 
points ; and hereafter, for any and all new Subordinate Lodges, 
one full copy or set of Supreme Lodge Proceedings shall consti- 
tute an indispensable part of their supplies to be sent out and 
paid for. All "sets" of Work, etc., as herein enumerated, shall 
constitute the legal number to be issued by any and all Grand 
Lodges or officers, which shall neither be added to nor taken 
from by them ; and all Work delivered to Grand and Subordi- 
nate Lodges or officers ordering the same, must be paid for on 
date of delivery, free of expense to the Supreme Lodge. 

ARTICLE XXVIII. 

ELECTIONS SUPREME LODGE. 

The Supreme Lodge officers shall be elected bi-annually by 
ballot. A majority of all the votes present shall be necessary to 
constitute a choice. In case of a tie, the balloting shall continue 



84 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

until a choice is made ; the name of the Brother receiving the 
lowest number of votes at each balloting shall be withdrawn. 
Any officer who may be absent at the time of installation, un- 
less excused by the Supreme Lodge, or by sickness, his office 
shall be declared vacant, and another and immediate election 
held to fill the vacancy ; but if the absent officer-elect has been 
excused, or is ill, then the Supreme Chancellor may be empow- 
ered to install during recess, at his convenience. 

ARTICLE XXIX. 

TRAVELLING SHIELDS. 

Travelling Shields, for the use of Brethren, can only be used 
or recognized when procured from the Supreme Lodge, and are 
of the prescribed and legal form, as adopted, and under its re- 
strictions as made for general or special use, by Grand Lodges, 
and from them issued to the Subordinate Lodges for issuance to 
members, except it be where no Grand Lodge is in existence, or 
recognized by this Supreme Lodge, and in such cases from the 
Deputy Supreme Chancellor in charge of said State or Territory. 

ARTICLE XXX. 

UNIFORM AND REGALIA. 

All Supreme, Grand, or Subordinate Lodge officers appearing 
in the prescribed uniform of the Order indicative of their rank, 
and wearing the proper and prescribed official Jewel on their left 
breast; or, 

All Past Supreme, Grand, or Subordinate Lodge officers ap- 
pearing apparelled in a like manner, wearing the proper and pre- 
scribed Past Official Jewel on their left breast ; or, 

Any and all Knights appearing and apparelled in a like manner, 
with the Knight's Jewel on his left breast, shall be considered in 
full and complete regalia for all Lodge conventions, meetings, or 
session purposes, being entitled to admission to, and seat within, 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 85 

any Lodge of the Order (if otherwise qualified and entitled to 
admission) wherever existing. But in the absence of the uni- 
form, the Jewel alone shall not be considered sufficient regalia, 
except for officers of Subordinate Lodges in their conventions 
and at their stations; and the following shall be the Regalia, 
when used, of the several bodies as below, to wit : 

The Regalia of the Supreme Lodge shall be as follows : 

For Past Supreme Chancellor — A purple collar; skirted with 
scarlet and white ; the scarlet to be inside, to be trimmed with 
helmet, globe, and tassels, lace and fringe of gilt bullion. Jewel, 
of white and yellow metals, to be worn pendant thereto, with 
the words Past Supreme Chancellor, enamelled or engraved on 
the border. 

For Supreme Chancellor and Supreme Vice Chancellor — Col- 
lars of purple, skirted with scarlet, of the same form, style, and 
trimming (including helmet and globe) as the sitting Past Su- 
preme Chancellor. Jewels to be of yellow and white metals, as 
provided and adopted, of the same device in emblems, unless 
otherwise specifically stated, as those worn by the corresponding 
officers of Grand and Subordinate Lodges, and to be worn sus- 
pended from the collar, in the same manner as above stated, or 
used in prescribed manner for them. 

For remaining Supreme Officers — Same as specified for Su- 
preme Chancellor. 

For Supreme Prelate — White collar, skirted with scarlet, 
trimmed with gilt lace and bullion fringe and tassels. On the 
right breast of the collar shall be embroidered in gilt bullion a 
visored helmet, with axe and lance crossed, illustrative of the 
name and general character of the Order. On the left breast 
shall be embroidered in gilt bullion a globe, emblematical of 
universal fraternity, and the supreme authority of this Lodge. 
The Jewel, of white and yellow metals, shall be as prescribed 
and adopted, to be worn suspended from the collar where the 
ends are united, or suspended on the left breast in open sight if 
in uniform and detached from Regalia. 

For Supreme Representatives — The same as P. G. C.'s, with 
"S. R." upon the right-hand side of collar, in gilt bullion, with 



86 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Jewel pendant, or as otherwise prescribed for members in uni- 
form. 

No Past Officer, Representative, or member, shall be allowed 
to enter the Supreme Lodge when in session, unless properly 
uniformed and jewelled, or clothed in the established regalia of 
his rank, according to these prescriptions, with Jewel appended 
thereto : Provided, any Past Chancellor, officer, or member pre- 
senting himself at the door of any Lodge of the Order properly 
uniformed, as prescribed by the Supreme Lodge law, with the 
Past Official, Official, or Knight's Jewel on his left breast, in open 
sight, shall be recognized as in proper regalia, and be entitled to 
admittance, if otherwise qualified. 

The working Regalia of Grand Lodges shall be as follows, 
to wit : 

P. G. Chancellors — Black velvet collar, trimmed with gold 
lace and fringe, and P. G. C. embroidered in gold on left side, 
with the approved and adopted Jewel pendant. 

P. Chancellors — Red velvet collar, trimmed with gold fringe, 
and adopted and approved Jewel pendant. 

Representatives — Same as Past Chancellors, rosette with 
number of Lodge on left side, and approved and adopted Jewel 
pendant. Said rosette to be furnished by the Subordinate Lodge 
represented. 

Officers — Same as Past Chancellors, with the prescribed in- 
signia of office of their rank, adopted and approved Jewel 
pendant : Provided, any officer, Representative, or Past Chan- 
cellor, presenting himself properly uniformed, as prescribed by 
the Supreme Lodge law, with the Past Official or Official Jewel 
on his left breast, in open sight, shall be recognized as in proper 
regalia, and be entitled to admittance, if otherwise qualified. 

The working Regalia of Subordinate Lodges shall be as fol- 
lows, to wit : 

For Pages, a blue collar ; for Esquires, a yellow collar ; for 
Knights, a red collar. Officers' Regalia — For C. C, a collar 
of scarlet velvet, with silver fringe one and a half inches long, 
and silver lace border on inner edge half inch wide, with Jewel 
pendant; for V. C, the same as the C. C, with Jewel pendant; 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. Sy 

for Prelate, a black velvet collar, trimmed same as C. C. and V. 
C, with Jewel pendant; for M. of E., the same as the V. C, 
omitting the fringe, with Jewel pendant ; for M. of F., the same 
as the M. of E., with Jewel pendant ; for K. of R. and S., the 
same as the M. of F., with Jewel pendant; for M. at A., the 
same as the K. of R. and S., with Jewel pendant ; for I. G., the 
same as the M. at A., with Jewel pendant; for O. G., the same 
as the I. G., with Jewel pendant ; for P. C, the same as the C. 
C, with gold fringe, with Jewel pendant; or, in other words, 
plain collars, the same as the above in every particular, except 
the embroidered emblems as heretofore used, and in their place 
the adopted metal Jewels hanging pendant thereto : Provided, 
that any and all Lodges, of this Order, wherever hereafter started, 
on and after July i, 1874, shall procure and use only the plain 
Regalia and prescribed metal Jewels (if desiring both), or Jewels 
alone ; that any and all Lodges now having and using the Regalia 
with the "embroidered emblems" on them, may do so until 
worn out, but when replacing them, either in part or whole, shall 
conform strictly to the provisions as herein expressed and above 
set forth; conditioned that no part of this provision shall be 
so construed by any authority to prevent Lodge officers, when 
working, using the Jewels alone, without any Regalia, or any 
Lodge now having and using the style of Regalia with em- 
broidered emblems thereon, from using the metal Jewel in con- 
nection therewith. Provided, any Past Chancellor, officer, or 
member, presenting himself properly uniformed, as prescribed 
by the Supreme Lodge law, with the Past Official, Official, or 
Knight's Jewel on his left breast, in open sight, shall be recog- 
nized as in proper Regalia, and be entitled to admittance, if 
otherwise qualified. "Provided, further, any Past Supreme 
Officer, Supreme Officer, Supreme Representative, Past Supreme 
Representative, Past Grand Officer, Grand Officer, Past Chan- 
cellor, and Subordinate Lodge Officer, and Knight wearing the 
Jewel of his rank on the left lappel of the coat in a Lodge, shall 
be considered in full Regalia." 



88 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

ARTICLE XXXI. 

SUSPENSION OF LODGES. 

The Supreme and each Grand Lodge may provide for and 
order the revocation of any or all Dispensations or Charters and 
suspension of Subordinate Lodges under their jurisdiction for vio- 
lations of this Constitution, Supreme Lodge orders, enactments, 
legislation or decisions, or their Grand Lodge constitutional 
provisions, local laws, or Grand Chancellor's official mandates 
during recess. 

ARTICLE XXXII. 

TERMS. 

A term of the Supreme Lodge shall be two years, and the 
terms of Subordinate Lodges working immediately under the 
control of the Supreme Lodge shall be six months, and the 
terms of Grand Lodges shall be one year, and that the terms of 
Subordinate Lodges working under the control of Grand Lodges, 
shall be remitted to the several Grand Jurisdictions. Provided, 
that no term of a Subordinate Lodge shall be less than six 
months. 

ARTICLE XXXIII. 

AMENDMENTS. 

No alteration or amendment to the Constitution of the Su- 
preme Lodge shall be made unless presented at a regular session, 
and adopted by a two-thirds vote at the next succeeding regular 
session : Provided, That no change shall be made in the Written 
or Unwritten Work unless the same lay over from one session to 
another, nor then, unless four-fifths of the Representatives concur 
therein. Provided always, however, that the Supreme Lodge 
shall have the power to exercise a special prerogative to alter or 
amend any part or portion of the foregoing Constitution, by 
unanimous consent, whenever the interests of the Order so 
demand. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 89 



BY-LAWS. 

All printed or other materials furnished by the Supreme Lodge 
to any Grand or Subordinate Lodge, members thereof, or other 
parties, for creating a revenue for the Supreme Lodge, shall be 
known under the general heading of "supplies;" which said 
supplies shall be furnished as may be from time to time specified, 
changed, altered or amended by legislation at the regular sessions, 
but which for the time being shall be as follows, to wit : 

SUPPLIES TO GRAND LODGES. 

Dispensation Fee to Grand Lodges $30 00 

Charter Fee 20 00 

Charter Plates for Subordinates 2 00 

Grand Lodge Rituals, $5 each, per set of 5 25 00 

Rituals for Subordinate Lodges, each 2 00 

Installation Books for Subordinate Lodges, each 40 

Odes for Subordinate Lodges, each 5 

Odes for Grand Lodges, each 10 

Bound Journals of Proceedings of Supreme Lodge, in 

paper 1 00 

Compiled Proceedings of Supreme Lodge, in leather 5 00 

Odes of the Order, set to Music, per book 20 

Dedication Ceremonies, per book $1 each, per set 5 00 

Travelling Shields 20 

Withdrawal Cards 25 

Grand Lodge Jewels, per set 

Subordinate Lodge Jewels, per set 

Knights' Jewels, each 

Knights' Charts, per 100 

" « " 50 

" " " 25 

" " " 10 

" " each 

Past Chancellor's Charts, per 50 

8* 



90 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 



Past Chancellor's Charts per 25 

tt tt tt tt jp 

a << << << - 

" each 

Past Grand Chancellor's Charts, per 20. 

a a a it a IQ 

it a tt a tt g 

" " " " each.... 



SUPPLIES TO SUBORDINATE LODGES UNDER THE IMMEDIATE 
JURISDICTION OF THE SUPREME LODGE. 

Dispensation Fee $15 00 

Rituals, per set of 5 20 00 

Installation, per set of 5 3 00 

Odes, 10 cents each, per set of 50 5 00 

Bound Journals of Supreme Lodge Proceedings, in paper. 1 00 

Compiled Proceedings, in leather 5 00 

Odes of the Order, set to Music, 40 cents per book ; per 

set of 5 2 00 

Travelling Shields 40 

Withdrawal Cards 50 

Subordinate Lodge Jewels, per set, 

Knights' Jewels, each 

Knights' Charts, per 100 

" " 75 

" 50 

" " 25 

" 10 

" each 

Past Chancellor's Charts, per 50 






IO 

n tc a ce - 

" " " each 

Past Grand Chancellor's Charts, per 20. 

tt a tt a a TC 

it a a a a - 

each.... 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 9 1 



Rules of Order. 

1. The presiding officer having taken the chair, the officers 
and members shall take their respective seats, and at the sound 
of the gavel there shall be a general silence. 

2. At the appointed hour the Supreme Chancellor shall or- 
ganize the meeting, by directing the Supreme Keeper of Records 
and Seal to call the names of the officers of this Supreme Lodge. 
After which he shall make report of the number of Grand Lodges 
from which Representatives are present; when, if a quorum be 
present, the Supreme Chancellor shall call on the Supreme Pre- 
late to address the Supreme Ruler of the Universe in prayer. 
The Supreme Vice Chancellor and the Supreme Master at Arms 
shall then examine the Representatives present, and report to 
the Supreme Chancellor, and, if correct, the Supreme Chancellor 
shall direct the members to clothe themselves with their regalia 
and take their seats, after which the Supreme Vice Chancellor, 
at the request of the Supreme Chancellor, shall proclaim the 
Lodge duly opened. 

3. The business shall be taken up in the following order: The 
Supreme Lodge shall be opened in due form. 

4. The Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal will report on 
the certificates of Representatives, which shall be referred to the 
proper committee. 

5. The Supreme Chancellor shall appoint a Committee on 
Credentials and Returns, and a Committee on Allotment of 
Seats — each committee to consist of three members. Both of 
said committees shall report without delay, and said reports 
shall be acted upon and disposed of before any other business is 
transacted. 

6. On the adoption of the report of the Committee on Cre- 
dentials and Returns, recommending the admission of the Past 
Grand Chancellors and Representatives, they shall be admitted 
in form. 

7. The minutes of the last annual and intervening meetings 
shall be read and passed upon. 



92 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

8. The report of the Supreme Chancellor as to his acts and 
doings during the recess of the Supreme Lodge shall be pre- 
sented. 

9. The annual reports of the Supreme Keeper of Records and 
Seal, and Supreme Master of Exchequer, shall be presented. 

10. The Supreme Chancellor shall then appoint the following 
committees, each to consist of three members, viz. : 

Committee on Law and Supervision. 

Committee on Finance. 

Committee on Appeals and Grievances. 

Committee on Mileage. 

Committee on State of the Order. 

Committee on Written Work. 

Committee on Unwritten Work. 

Committee on Printing. 

Committee on Dispensations and Charters. 

11. The jurisdictions shall be called in their order of seniority, 
when any legitimate business may be presented. 

12. Petitions shall be presented, read, and referred. 

13. Reports of Standing Committees to be called by the Su- 
preme Chancellor in the order of their appointment. 

14. Reports of Special Committees. 

15. Miscellaneous business. 

16. The above order of business may be transposed or dis- 
pensed with, at the discretion of the Supreme Lodge. When 
the business of the session is concluded, the Supreme Prelate 
shall offer a prayer, and the Supreme Vice Chancellor shall 
proclaim the Supreme Lodge duly closed. 

17. Voting for officers shall be by ballot. All other voting 
shall be viva voce, or by yeas and nays, as the Supreme Lodge 
may determine. 

18. On the call of two jurisdictions, the yeas and nays shall 
be taken on any question, and when taken shall be entered on 
the journal. 

19. No motion shall be subject to debate until it has been 
seconded and stated by the chair. It shall be reduced to writing 
at the request of any member. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 93 

20. When a question is before the Supreme Lodge, no motion 
shall be received, unless it be to adjourn ; the previous question, 
to lie on the table, to refer, to postpone indefinitely, to postpone 
to a certain time, to recommit, or to amend ; and the motions 
just enumerated shall take precedence in the order of enumera- 
tion. The first three shall be decided without debate. 

21. When a subject has been indefinitely postponed, it cannot 
again, during the same session, be taken up and considered ; nor 
can a subject which the Supreme Lodge has refused to reconsider 
be taken up at that session. 

22. On a call of Representatives of three Grand Jurisdictions, 
a majority of the Supreme Lodge may demand that the previous 
question shall be put, which shall always be in this form: "Shall 
the main question be now put ? ' ' and, until it is decided, no fur- 
ther debate shall take place, and the vote shall be taken, first, 
on any amendments that may be pending, and next on the final 
question. 

23. When the reading of any paper or other matter is called 
for, and the same is objected to by any member, it shall be de- 
termined by vote of the Supreme Lodge, without debate. 

24. Before putting a question, the presiding officer shall ask, 
"Is the Supreme Lodge ready for the question 9" If no member 
rises to speak, and a majority of the Supreme Lodge are ready 
for the question, he shall rise and put it. While the presiding 
officer is putting a question, or addressing the Supreme Lodge, 
none shall walk out of or across the room, nor entertain private 
discourse; and after he shall have risen to put it, no member 
shall speak upon it. 

25. The presiding officer, or any other member doubting the 
decision of a question, may call for a division of the Supreme 
Lodge ; but a division cannot be called for after the chair has 
announced the result of a vote. 

26. No member shall be permitted to speak or vote unless 
clothed in regalia according to his rank and station, and occu- 
pying his seat at the place designated for him. 

27. During the progress of a ballot for an officer, no motion 
can be entertained, or debate or explanation permitted. 



94 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

28. Every officer and member shall be designated by his 
proper title or office according in the Order. 

29. Every member, when he speaks or offers a motion, shall 
rise and respectfully address, and be recognized by the presiding 
officer ; and while speaking, he shall confine himself to the ques- 
tion in debate, avoiding all personalities and indecorous lan- 
guage, as well as all reflections upon the Supreme Lodge or 
any of its members. 

30. Should two or more members rise to speak at the same 
time, the Chair shall decide which is entitled to the floor ; and 
no member shall interrupt or disturb another while speaking, un- 
less to call him to order for words spoken. 

31. If a member, while speaking, shall be called to order, he 
shall, at the request of the Chair, take his seat until the question 
of order is determined, when he may proceed again. 

32. The decisions of the Chair, on points of order, may be 
appealed from by any member, which point of order shall be 
reduced to writing; and in such cases the question shall be, 
"Shall the decision of the Chair stand as the judg7nent of the Su- 
preme Lodge ? ' ' 

33. No member shall speak more than once on the same ques- 
tion, until all the members wishing to speak have had an oppor- 
tunity to do so ; and no one shall speak more then ten minutes 
on any question, unless by permission of the Supreme Lodge. 

34. When a petition, memorial, or communication is pre- 
sented, a brief statement of its contents shall be made by the 
introducer or the Chair; and, after it has been read, a brief 
notice of its purport shall be entered upon the journal. 

35. When a blank is to be filled, the question shall be taken 
first upon the highest sum or number, and the longest or latest 
time proposed. 

36. Any member may call for the division of a question, when 
the sense will admit. 

37. After any question, except one of indefinite postponement, 
or one which the Supreme Lodge has refused to reconsider, has 
been decided, any two members who voted in the majority may, 
at the same or next session, move for a reconsideration thereof; 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 95 

but no discussion of the main question shall be allowed until re- 
considered. 

38. No matter shall be considered at any morning session of 
the Supreme Lodge, until all the committees shall have had an 
opportunity of presenting reports. 

39. A committee appointed at one session to perform a duty, 
are bound to report, although some of the members of the com- 
mittee have ceased to be members of this body. 

40. Any member has a right to protest, and to have an epi- 
tome of his protest spread upon the journal, if in respectful lan- 
guage. 

41. Every member is bound to vote, serve on committees, and 
accept nominations, unless excused by vote. 

42. No member shall be allowed to cast his vote after a ballot 
has been announced. 

43. No more than two amendments to a proposition shall be 
entertained at the same time; that is, an amendment, and an 
amendment to an amendment, and the question shall be first 
taken on the latter. 

44. Any proposition offered for reference to any standing or 
special committee of this body, which shall require an entry in 
full upon the journal, shall be submitted in duplicate, either in 
print or in manuscript ; and if in writing, they shall be on paper 
not less in size than half a page of foolscap. All resolutions and 
legislative measures belonging to or within the purview of any 
standing or special committee of this body, shall be referred in 
the regular order to said committees, before reported on and 
submitted by them for action thereon by the Supreme Lodge. 

45. The Supreme Chancellor shall appoint a standing com- 
mittee on rules, to whom shall be referred all amendments there- 
to, and all questions of order not otherwise disposed of. 

46. The election of officers shall take place on such day of the 
session as the Supreme Lodge may determine. 

47. The installation of officers shall be after the business of 
the session at which the election takes place has been completed. 

48. Cushing's Manual shall be our standard for parliamentary 
law, in the absence of any rule governing our action. 



96 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

49. Proposals to add to, amend or alter these rules, shall be 
submitted in writing, and lay over at least one day, when a ma- 
jority vote shall adopt or reject. 



General Laws of the Order. 

The following Laws, Resolutions, and Decisions have been adopted, and 
are OBLIGATORY upon all Lodges in this Jurisdiction. 

JAMES S. FARRINGTON, G. C. 

APPEALS. 

i. a. No appeal from a Subordinate Lodge to the Supreme 
Lodge taken from the action of a Grand Lodge shall be enter- 
tained by this Supreme Lodge without the previous consent of 
the Grand Lodge from which such appeal is taken. — Jour. S. 

L -> PP- 53 6 > 586. 

b. All appeals to the Supreme Lodge and accompanying 
papers shall be sent to the S. R. and C. Scribe, at least one 
month previous to the annual session of the Supreme Lodge. 
And the S. R. and C. Scribe shall at that time place all appeals 
and accompanying papers in the hands of the Chairman of the 
Committee on Appeals, to enable said committee to carefully 
review the same ; also, the law bearing upon them, and report 
fully and promptly to the Supreme Lodge at its session. No 
appeal shall be entertained by this Supreme Lodge if not in com- 
pliance with the foregoing, except by vote of the Supreme 
Lodge. — Jour. S. L., p. 563. 

BALLOT. 

2. a. A ballot properly taken, that results in the election or 
rejection of a candidate for membership "cannot be reconsid- 
ered ' ' by the Lodge, neither can the Chancellor Commander 
treat it as if not taken. The consent of the Grand Lodge must 
first be procured before a re-ballot can be had in such cases. — 
Decision G. C, Jour. G. L., Mass., April, 1870. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 97 

BENEFITS. 

3. a. It is competent for a Grand Lodge to prescribe a defi- 
nite period of time within which Subordinate Lodges shall pay 
benefits. — Jour. S. L., pp. 588, 595. 

b. The term " Benefits," as used in Subordinate Lodge Con- 
stitution, means all advantages and privileges. — Jour. S. L., pp. 
53i, 585. 

c. It is the duty of the Relief Committee to officially inform a 
brother who becomes sick, and is not entitled to benefits, that 
he is not entitled, stating the cause, in order that he may, should 
he consider himself aggrieved by the action of the Lodge, pro- 
ceed without delay to have his case considered. — Decision G. 
C, Jour. G. L., Mass., April, 1870. 

CARDS. 

4. a. In explanation of the privileges of members holding 
Withdrawal Cards, as the Card of itself is a recommendation to 
the confidence of all Knights throughout the world, a brother 
has a right to deposit it wherever his inclination may lead, and 
his application be acceptable. The stipulation of a year's time 
to make choice of a Lodge is a sufficient guarantee against any 
attempt to abuse its purport. But one view can be taken of the 
liability of a member in the matter of asking for his Card, viz. : 
He is indebted to the Lodge for the amount of the price of the 
same when applied for ; and to secure any action, said fee must 
accompany the application. — Jour. G. L., Mass., July, 1871, 
pp. 11, 27, 28. 

b. Withdrawal Cards are to be considered the property of the 
Lodge where they may be deposited, and remain in the charge 
of such Lodge. — Jour. G. L., Mass., July, 1871, pp. 52, 55, 
56. 

c. Any Withdrawal Card may be revoked by the Lodge grant- 
ing the same, at any time, for cause appearing. — Jour. S. L. , 
PP- 535> 586. 

d. Any member of the Order desiring to assist in the forma- 
tion of a new Lodge, and signing an application for such pur- 

9 G 



gS THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

pose, must, upon the institution of such Lodge, present his With- 
drawal Card from his Lodge. — Jour. S. L., p. 225. 

e. A Withdrawal Card can be renewed after it has run out, by 
the Lodge having granted the same, and upon such terms as the 
Lodge may determine. — Jour. S. L., pp. 468, 613. 

f. A Past Chancellor of this Grand Lodge holding a With- 
drawal Card from a Subordinate Lodge good for one year is enti- 
tled to a seat in this Grand Lodge. — Jour. G. L., Mass., Nov., 
!87o ? P- 33- 

CEREMONIES, ETC. 

5. a. The Dedication Ceremonies of the Order may be given 
in public. — Jour. S. L., p. 229. 

b. The amended " O. B. N." in the Installation Ceremonies 
shall apply only to the office of Chancellor Commander. — Jour. 
S. L., pp. 534, 599. 

c. When the Order attends funerals, the line of march shall 
be taken up in the following order : 

First. The O. G., bearing a sword, followed by the Pages, 
Esquires, and Knights in the order as laid down. 

Second. The I. G., bearing a sword. 

Third. K. of R. and S., M. of F., M. of E., (three abreast,) 
each bearing the emblems of their respective offices. 

Fourth. M. A. bearing a Staff. 

Fifth. C. C. and V. C, each bearing the emblems of their, 
respective offices. 

Sixth. P., supported by two P. C.'s. 

Seventh. P. C.'s and P. G. C.'s. 

On arriving at the grave, the Procession halts and opens order, 
when the coffin and mourners pass through, and the Procession 
follows the corpse in a reversed position. — Jour. S. L., pp. 
403, 414. 

CHARTERS. 

6. a. Fee for Dispensation for a new Lodge to be $20.00, and 
for the Charter, $5.00, making total Charter Fee $25.00.- — Jour. 
G. L., Mass., July, 1871, p. 35. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT- BO OK. 99 

b. No Charter shall hereafter be granted to any Lodge until 
its account be balanced or settled on the books of the G. R. and 
C. S. — Jour. G. L., Mass., July, 1871, p. 37- 

c. No Subordinate Lodge shall be allowed to dissolve or sur- 
render its Charter by vote so long as nine members remain willing 
to sustain the Lodge except by permission of- the Grand Lodge, 
or during the recess of the Grand Lodge, by the Grand Chan- 
cellor of the Jurisdiction. — Jour. S. L., pp. 563, 592, 594. 

d. A Lodge has not the right to work without having its 
Charter or Dispensation present in the L,odge Room. — Jour. S. 
L., pp. 564, 585. 

e. Charters can be granted only by the Grand Lodge at reg- 
ular sessions — Jour. G. L., Mass., 1872, pp. 108, 139. 

COMMUNICATIONS. 

7. a. The legal method of communication from the Supreme 
authority to the Subordinate Lodges of the several Jurisdictions 
where Grand Lodges have been instituted, is through the Grand 
Lodge. — Jour. S. L., pp. 618, 630. 

b. In the Order of Business of each Subordinate Lodge, the 
reading of Communications, Notices, etc., shall take place di- 
rectly after the call of the Roll of Officers and reading of the 
minutes of previous session. — Decision G. C. Farrington, Jour. 
G. L., Mass., Jan., 1872, pp. 75, 157. 

c. All amendments to the By-Laws of Subordinate Lodges 
must be sent to the office of the Grand Lodge, in duplicate and 
properly attested, for approval. Each amendment must show the 
section to be amended in full and also the section as amended 
in full. — Decision G. C. Farrington, Jour. G. L., Mass., Jan., 
1872, pp. 75, 157. 

d. Applications for Dispensations, must state for what pur- 
pose, giving number as defined in Art. XV., Sec. 1, of the Con- 
stitution printed in these proceedings and the reason for the 
application. — Decision G. C. Farrington, Jour. G. L., Mass., 
Jan., 1872, pp. 75, 157. 

e. Lodges requesting Decisions on questions of law or usage, 
or applying for Dispensations, must send the request in 



IOO THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHTAS 

official form, viz. : with the signatures of the Chancellor Com- 
mander and the Keeper of Records and Seal, and the Seal of the 
Lodge attached. — Decision G. C. Farrington, Jan., 1872. 

CONSTITUTIONS AND LAWS. 

8. a. The laws of the Supreme Lodge go into effect imme- 
diately after their adoption, unless otherwise specified. — Jour. 
S. L., pp. 619, 620. 

b. The obligatory portions of the Constitution for Subordinate 
Lodges adopted by the Supreme Lodge apply to all Subordinate 
Lodges. — Jour. S. L., pp. 536, 579. 

c. A Grand Lodge has the right to alter or amend the Consti- 
tution for the government of Subordinate Lodges at any regular 
session. — Jour. S. L., pp. 576, 587. 

d. The verbal instructions from the G. C, G. P., or D. D. G. 
C.'s, shall be considered binding, when given in a Lodge room 
or the Grand Lodge office. — Jour. G. L., Mass., 1872, p. 165. 

DUES AND SUSPENSIONS. 

9. a. A Lodge has a right to assess its members for any pur- 
pose for the good of the Order. — Jour. G. L., Mass., 1872, pp. 

38, 39- 

b. A Brother owing one year's dues, his suspension cannot be 
stayed for the time being, by his paying $1.00 on the same. — 
Jour. G. L., Mass., 1872, p. 104. 

c. A Brother being in arrears for the space of twelve months, 
and ready to be suspended, no Brother can ask for further time, 
nor can the Lodge by vote grant the same. — Jour. G. L., Mass., 
1872, p. 104. 

d. No Grand Lodge possessess the power to levy assessments 
upon its Past Chancellors. — Jour. S. L., pp. 197, 203. 

e. A Brother suspended for non-payment of dues ceases to be 
a member of the Order until reinstated. — Jour. S. L., p. 225. 

f. A member of a Subordinate Lodge cannot be suspended for 
non-payment of dues, until he is one year in arrears. — Jour. S. 
L -> PP- 53*, 5&5- 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. IOI 

MEETINGS. 

10. a. Grand Lodges have the power to hold either annual or 
semi-annual sessions as they may elect. — Jour. S. L., p. 202. 

b. Grand Lodges holding annual sessions only, shall have 
power to nominate officers for election at each annual session. — 
Jour. S. L., p. 219. 

c. Power is vested in the Grand Chancellors of the several 
Jurisdictions to grant dispensations for Subordinate Lodges to 
hold semi-monthly meetings, when in his opinion the interests 
of the Lodge demand it. — Jour. S. L., pp. 536, 578. 

d. Subordinate Lodges must hold one stated meeting in each 
week. — Decision G. C. Farrington, Circular No. 5, April 24, 
1872. Approved, G. L.,Mass., Jour., July, 1872, pp. 95, 138, 157. 

e. A Lodge cannot resolve itself into Secret Session and ex- 
clude Visiting Brothers, until after it has gone through with the 
regular order of business and closed the business of the Lodge. 
— Decision G. C. Miller, Jour. G. L., Mass., July, 1871, p. 
58, Jan., 1872, p. 41. 

OFFICERS ELIGIBILITY OF. 

it. a. The law making only a Past Vice Grand Chancellor or 
a Past Grand Chancellor eligible to the position of Grand Chan- 
-cellor, is hereby repealed. — Jour. S. L., pp. 389, 417. 

b. The retiring Grand Chancellor of each Grand Lodge shall 
become a Past Grand Chancellor without any regard to the 
length of time he has served in that office. — Jour. S. L., p. 55. 

c. Any Jurisdiction choosing to re-elect a Grand Chancellor, 
or to elect a Past Grand Chancellor to the position of Grand 
Chancellor, is required to select, at the end of his second term, 
one Past Chancellor on whom the rank of P. G. C. shall be con- 
ferred ; said election to take place on the floor of the Grand 
Lodge. — Jour S. L., p. 99. 

d. Upon the re-election of a Grand Chancellor, and the G. V. 
P. declines serving the second term, the vacancy must be filled 
from among the Past Grand Chancellors. — Jour S. L., pp. 469, 
613. 

e. To be eligible to the office of C. C, a Knight must have 

9* 



102 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

served one full term as V. C, and also one full term in some 
elective or appointive office. — Decision G. C. Farrington, Cir- 
cular No. 5, April 24, 1872. Approved, G. L. Mass., July, 
1872.— Jour. pp. 95, 138, 157. 

/. Any Knight in good standing, having served one full term 
in an appointive office, shall be eligible to the office of V. C. — 
Constitution for Subordinates adopted by Supreme Lodge, session 
1871. 

g. A Brother having served a term as Trustee or Attendant 
does not thereby become eligible for the office of V. C. — De- 
cision G. C. Farrington, Jour. G. L. Mass., 1872, pp. 75, 157. 

h. The honors of the same office can be given to but one per- 
son for the same term. — Jour. S. L., pp. 564, 585. 

i. To fill vacancies in elective offices it is competent for a 
Subordinate Lodge to nominate, elect and install at the meeting 
on which the vacancy occurs. The words " original selection," 
contained in Sec. 6, Art. 3, Con. for Sub. Lodges, refer to the 
manner of voting, to wit : by ballot. — Jour. S. L., pp. 566, 625. 

j. The C. C, V. C, K. of R. and S., M. of F. and M. of E. 
are not eligible to serve as Trustees of the Lodge ; being the 
executive and financial officers of the Lodge, their acts may be 
subject to examination, and it would not be right or proper for 
either of them to pass upon their own official doings. — De- 
cision G. C, Jour. G. L., Mass., April, 1870. 

k. The Vice Chancellor or Past Chancellor who may occupy 
the chair of the Chancellor Commander, in the absence of the 
Chancellor Commander, is invested, for the time being, with all 
the power and authority of that officer. — Decision G. C, Jour. 
G. L., Mass., April, 1870. 

/. A Brother having served a term as Chancellor Commander, 
at the installation of his successor, is entitled to the rank, but is 
not a Past Chancellor in full, until he has been obligated and in- 
structed ; he may, however, wear a P. C.'s regalia in his own 
Lodge, during the interim between the time of service and the 
Grand Lodge Session. — Jour. S. L., pp. 468, 613. 

m. A Past Chancellor elect is not entitled to the honors of 
that rank, until he receives the rank in the Grand Lodge. — 
Ruling G. C. Miller, Jour. G. L., Mass., July, 187 1, p. 57. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. IO3 

n. A new Lodge can be allowed but one Past Chancellor at its 
institution. — Jour. G. L., Mass., 1872, pp. 109, 139. 

OFFICERS DUTIES OF. 

12. a. The law relative to the duties of officers is so changed 
as to make it the duty of the M. of F. to notify members who 
are in arrears for dues, etc., and the duty of the K. of R. and S. 
to sign all orders on the M. of E. — Jour. S. L., pp. 564, 598. 

b. The K. of R. and S. of subordinate Lodges are instructed 
to immediately notify the G. R. and C. S. of any and all changes 
of officers. — Jour. G. L., Mass., July, 1871, pp. 52, 55. 

c. Grand Scribes must forward to the Supreme Scribe the 
Representative tax of their several Grand Lodges, at least twenty 
days before the session of the Supreme Lodge. — Jour. S. L., p. 
410. 

PASSWORDS. 

13. a. All passwords in the Order shall emanate from this Su- 
preme Lodge, and shall be uniform throughout the country. — 
Jour. S. L., pp. 18, 101. 

b. No Brother can receive the term password unless he is 
square on the books, and no Brother can be permitted to remain 
in the lodge-room without the term password. — Ruling G. C. 
Miller, Jour. G. L., Mass., July, 1871, p. 57. 

c. The term P. W. is to be communicated to Knights only. — 
Jour. S. L., p. 229. 

PENALTIES AND PROHIBITIONS. 

14. a. When by a vote of any Grand Lodge the G. C., or any 
other member, is authorized to demand the surrender of any 
books, papers, or other effects of a Subordinate Lodge, and any 
officer or member, or officers or members, shall refuse to deliver 
the same, he or they shall forever be excluded from membership, 
if the said Subordinate Lodge should be reinstated, or such a 
demand be subsequently rescinded by a Grand Lodge. — Jour. 
S. L., pp. 90, 94. 

b. No member can be expelled from the Order, but may be 
suspended for an indefinite number of years. — Jour. S. L., p. 18. 



104 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

c. Representatives and Past Grand Chancellors from jurisdic- 
tions which have not paid all dues and demands against them, 
shall not be entitled to vote or speak in the Supreme Lodge. — 
Jour. S. L., p. 426. 

d. Hereafter no Past Chancellor or Representative shall be 
admitted to this Grand Lodge, unless the reports of their respec- 
tive Lodges are handed or delivered to the Grand Scribe three 
days previous to the meeting of this Grand Lodge. — Jour. G. 
L., Mass., July, 1871, p. 41. 

e. At all future sessions of this Grand Lodge, any Grand Offi- 
cer or Representative who may neglect to attend the sessions of 
this body, or who shall leave the same before the close of the 
session without permission from the Grand Lodge or Grand 
Chancellor, shall forfeit his mileage for the session. — Jour. G. 
L., Mass., July, 1871, p. 54. 

/. Mileage of Representatives to the Grand Lodge is abol- 
ished. — Jour. G. L., Mass., 1872, pp. 58, 161. 

g. No vouching is allowed in the Order under any circum- 
stances. — Jour. S. L., p. 229. 

h. No member of the Order has the right to make use of the 
name of the Order publicly in any manner for pecuniary benefit, 
except in advertising periodicals, supplies, or regalia for the 
Order. — Jour. S. L., p. 229. 

PHRASEOLOGY. 

15. a. The word "kneel," wherever occurring in the Funeral 
Services or Ritual, except in the ceremonies of the Rank of Page, 
is hereby stricken out, and the word "stand," or " standing," 
inserted in its or their places. — Jour. S. L., p. 599. 

b. The word "degree," or "degrees," wherever appearing 
in the Ritual, Laws, Installations, or Odes, or when used in con- 
nection with the Order of the Knights of Pythias, or its legis- 
lation or workings, to be struck out, and the word "rank" 
inserted in its or their place. — Jour. S. L., pp. 561, 598. 

c. The title "Sir" Knight should not be used. — Jour. S. L., 

PP. 563, 598. 

d. Hereafter the term "Pythian Period" shall be used by 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 105 

each Subordinate Lodge immediately after any date given of 

day, year, or month of the vulgar era, as follows : " This, the 

day of a. d. 187 -, and of Pythian Period the " in 

all official documents, or communications emanating therefrom. 
The date of the Pythian Period shall date back, and commence 
on the 19th of February, 1864; and each and every year there- 
after, and to come, shall succeed in regular numerical order, 
commencing on the 19th day of February of each year. — Jour. 
S. L., pp. 364, 385. 

<?. Grand and Subordinate Lodges are recommended to abjure 
and drop the words "Passed" and "' Raised " and substitute 
therefor the words " Prove " and " Charge " in all official doc- 
uments, dispensations, or charters hereafter issued, and also 
recommend said rectification to those already issued, wherever 
possible or practicable so to do. — Jour. S. L., pp. 365, 385. 

PRIVILEGE. 

16. a. No person but the Outer Guard is allowed in the ante- 
room at the opening of a Lodge. — Jour. S. L., p. 229. 

b. No Lodge shall refuse admission to any Brother of the Or- 
der in good standing who may present himself for admission, 
except they present him a written communication stating their 

■ objections as a Lodge (which must be sustained by a two-thirds 
vote) and also send to the Lodge of which the Brother is a 
member a copy of the same. — Decision G. C. Miller, Jour. G. 
L., Mass., July, 1871, p. 58, Jan., 1872, p. 41. 

c. A Past Chancellor who is present as a visitor in a Lodge 
has no privileges beyond any other visiting Brother. He cannot 
claim the right, on account of his rank in the Order, to address 
the Lodge on any subject whatever. The Lodge may confer the 
privilege for the occasion, or may extend an invitation to any 
member of the Order, who has attained the rank of Knight, to 
address the Lodge. — Decision G. C, Jour. G. L., Mass., April, 
1870. 

d. When a Lodge is conferring rank, and the candidate is in 
the lodge-room, or during the opening or closing ceremonies, 
Brothers cannot pass in or out ; but at all other times they can 



106 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

do so. — Jour. G. L., Mass., July, 1871, p. 58, Jan., 1872, p. 
41. — Decision of G. C. Miller. 

REGALIA. 

17. a. All portions of the uniform or outside regalia, as estab- 
lished by the action of this Supreme body at its session, held in 
Philadelphia, a. d. 1871, P. P. the 8th, except helmet, oriflamme, 
gorget and cloak, be and is hereby declared in its present 
shape and detail the permanent uniform or outside regalia for 
the use of this Order, and which shall not be changed, mutilated, 
or reduced in any sense of substitution for the space and term of 
ten years from the date of this present session. — Jour. S. L., 
P- 630. 

b. At funerals the following rosette may or shall be worn in 
lieu of other regalia, viz. : By Knights, Esquires and Pages. — 
Round rosette, black, flat centre, \\ inches in diameter, with 
white metal struck up or silver embroidered escutcheon, sur- 
rounded by two rows of \ inch black satin ribbon, the joint 
made by the ribbon joining the centre of the rosette, to be cov- 
ered with \ ligne silver braid, the completed rosette to be three 
inches in diameter. Suspended from the under side of the 
rosette a white silk ribbon, 22 inches wide and 4J inches long, 
with name and number of Lodge, and the letters K. P. printed 
upon it in black, the white ribbon to be covered with black 
crape. By Past Chancellors — Same as for members, but gilt 
escutcheon. By Officers — Same as for members, but substituting 
the emblem of their respective offices for the escutcheon in cen- 
tre of the rosette. — Jour. S. L., pp. 620, 631. 

REGISTER. 

18. a. All Subordinate Lodges shall have a register or book in 
their ante -room, in which all Visiting Brothers and members shall 
enter their names, with the name and number of their Lodge, 
before entering the Lodge. — Jour. G. L., Mass., July, 1871, 
PP- 53> 55> 56. 






COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. I07 



RANK AND MEMBERSHIP. 

19. a. The Supreme Lodge recognizes no higher rank or 
ranks of the Order than those now established in the ritual of the 
Order. — Jour. S. L., p. 17. 

b. After an application for membership has been received by 
the Lodge and referred to the Investigating Committee, it can- 
not be withdrawn, but must go to ballot. — Decision G. C. 
Miller, Jour. G. L., Mass., July, 1871, p. 58, Jan., 1872, p. 41. 

c. No Lodge can initiate into the Order a person whose resi- 
dence is in any other city or town without permission from the 
Lodge located there, neither can a Lodge initiate a person whose 
residence is outside of this jurisdiction without permission from 
the Grand Lodge or Grand Chancellor of this State, also of the 
State in which the candidate shall reside. — Decision G. C. 
Miller, Jour. G. L., Mass., July, 1871, p. 58, Jan., 1872, p. 41. 

d. Lodges of one jurisdiction have no right to initiate resi- 
dents of another jurisdiction into the Order, except by consent 
of the Lodge nearest to which the applicant resides. — Jour. S. 
L., p. 580. 

e. Membership in a Subordinate Lodge takes place upon the 
Candidate attaining the rank of Knight, and then, only upon 

, his subscribing his name to the Constitution and By-Laws of the 
Lodge, that action being imperatively required before he can 
become entitled to share in the privileges, benefits, and respon- 
sibilities of the Order. Decision G. C. Farrington, Circular, 
No. 5, April 24, 1872. —Approved, G. L., Mass., Jour., 1872, 
pp. 95, 138, 157. 

/. A Brother on whom the rank of Page has legally been con- 
ferred can cause application to be made to the Lodge on the 
same evening for the rank of Esquire, by payment for the same 
to the M. of F. , who must give notice to the Lodge, when open 
in the rank of Knight, that the Brother has made such payment. 
And when the rank of Esquire has been conferred, not less than 
one week from the date of receiving that of Page, he may, in 
like manner, pay for and cause application to be made for the 
rank of Knight ; but not less than one week must elapse between 



108 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

the conferring of ranks (except in cases of Dispensation), after 
the Charter has been closed. — Decision G. C, Jour. G. L., 
Mass., April, 1870. 

g. Persons who are unable to write are not eligible for mem- 
bership in the Order. — Jour. S. L., pp. 177, 204, 229. 

h. Maimed persons cannot be admitted to membership in 
Subordinate Lodges of the Order. — Jour. S. L., p. 202. 

/. The term "maimed persons" signifies persons who are 
physically or mentally unable to comply with the " Ritual and 
Work" of the Order. — Jour. S. L., p. 472. 

j. If, at any time after a candidate has been elected to receive 
rank in this Order, and before having received the same, any 
member of the Order who is in good standing, shall enter a 
written protest against the candidate receiving the rank, the C. 
C. shall refer the protest to a committee of five, who shall in- 
vestigate the case and report to the Lodge at the next stated 
meeting ; if the committee shall report in favor of sustaining the 
appeal, a vote shall be taken ; and if two -thirds of the members 
present voting shall vote to adopt the report of the committee, 
the protest shall be sustained, and the candidate shall be debarred 
from receiving the rank for six months, after which time he may 
apply for rank and membership as before. — Jour. G. L., Mass., 
July, 1871, p. 42. 

SEAL. 

20. a. The impression of the seal of a Lodge on an official 
document must, in all cases, be printed or embossed to be legal. 
A paper seal pasted on will not be recognized. — Decision G. 
C. Farrington, Jour. G. L., Mass., Jan., 1872, pp. 75, 157. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

21.0. All State jurisdictions under the control of this Supreme 
Lodge are prohibited from accepting the name of any living 
person as the name of a Lodge in their respective jurisdictions. 
— Jour. S. L., pp. 85, 95. 

b. Lodges composed of colored persons cannot be formed 
under the jurisdiction of this Supreme Lodge, nor can colored 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. IO9 

persons be admitted as members of any Subordinate Lodge of 
this Order. —Jour. S. L., pp. 379, $%-$. 

c. Representatives' and Past Chancellors' Certificates must be 
forwarded to the office of the Grand Recording and Correspond- 
ing Scribe at least ten days prior to the regular sessions of the 
Grand Lodge. — Decision G. C. Farrington, Jan., 1872. 

d. At all subsequent sessions of this Grand Lodge, all resolu- 
tions and motions of length must be submitted in writing, upon 
half sheets of paper, letter size, the paper to be provided by the 
G. R. and C. S. — Jour. G. L., Mass., July, 1871, p. 55. 

e. The resolution adopted Nov. 10, 1868, requiring German 
Lodges to render their proceedings in the English language is 
hereby rescinded. — Jour. S. L., p. 221. 

f. Subordinate Lodges are required to procure such books and 
blanks as are of general use in the Order from the Grand Lodge. 
— Jour. G. L., Mass., 1872, pp. 109, 139. 

DECISIONS MADE SINCE THE SEMI-ANNUAL SESSION, AND WHICH 
ARE LAW UNTIL REVOKED BY THE GRAND LODGE. 

22. a. Any Knight in good standing having attained the rank 
of Past Chancellor, has a right to take part in a debate in a 
Subordinate Lodge of which he is a member, clothed in either 
a Past Chancellor or Knight Regalia, except he hold the office of 
Past Chancellor, in which case he must wear a Past Chancellor's 
Regalia. — Decision G. C. Farrington. 

b. A Brother under trial has a right to object to any member 
appointed on a Committee to try him, but his objections must 
be stated to the Lodge. If the Lodge sustains the objections, 
the member of the Committee objected to shall be set aside, and 
a new appointment made to fill the vacancy. — Decision G. C. 
Farrington. 

c. A Brother, against whom charges are pending, has a right 
to speak on any question before the Lodge, and is entitled to all 
the rights aud privileges of the Order during the pending of the 
charges. — Decision G. C. Farrington. 

d. No Brother has a right to say that he voted on an applica- 
tion for Rank or Membership in the affirmative. If one could 



IIO THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

do so, all could who so voted, and consequently it would thus 
be known who cast the negative ballots. — Decision G. C. Far- 
rington. 

e. Decision made at the July Session, 1872, p. 165, is so far 
modified as to read, the " Board of Grand Officers" comprises 
the Elective Officers only. — Decision G. C. Farrington. 

/. Dispensations may be granted by the Grand Chancellor, to 
empower Subordinate Lodges to elect a Knight to any office in 
such Lodge, provided all qualified Brothers refuse to serve. — 
Decision G. C. Farrington. 

g. The C. C. has no authority to give the S. A. P. W. to other 
than a member of his own Lodge who is square on the books, 
except to a member of another Lodge who shall present a written 
request therefor from the Lodge of which he is a member, signed 
by the C. C., attested by the K. of R. and S., and the seal of 
said Lodge ; and prior to the Brother receiving the P. W. , he 
must fuliy prove by examination that he is in possession of the 
work of the Order from Page to Knight inclusive ; said exami- 
nation to be made by the C. C. or a P. C. authorized by him. 
A receipt for dues is not of itself sufficient authority, in the case 
of a visiting Brother, for the S. A. P. W. to be given by the C. C. 
(or in his absence the presiding officer) who alone is authorized 
to communicate the same. The P. W. can only be given for 
the term which the request covers. — Decision G. C. Farrington. 

h. Any person who may have been suspended from member- 
ship in this Order for non-payment of dues, making application 
for reinstatement within one month from the date of suspension, 
can be balloted for at a stated meeting upon motion of any 
member present ; but after one month has elapsed his application 
shall be referred to an Investigating Committee in like manner 
as an original application, and the amount of arrearages must 
in all cases accompany the application. — Decision G. C. Far- 
rington. 

/. By the term " place of residence " is not meant the " place 
of business," but the " domicile" of a Brother, and an address 
given otherwise when the By-Laws require " place of residence" 
is illegal. — Decision G. C. Farrington. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. Ill 

j. Deputizing one Knight to cast the vote of a Subordinate 
Lodge, either in elections or legislation, is illegal. A quorum 
consists of not less than nine members, and to legally decide any 
question requires not less than that number of ballots. — Decision 
G. C. Farrington. 



Extract from Supreme Chancellor's Report, Seventh 
Annual Session, 1875. 

To the Supreme Lodge Knights of Pythias of the World : 

Representatives a?id Brothers ; — First of all things, brethren, 
as we assemble in annual session, it becomes us to acknowledge 
our dependence on Him, without whose assistance and approba- 
tion all human efforts are vain and profitless. Through the ever- 
changing scenes of another year a watchful Providence has been 
over us, and we have escaped the many dangers which thickly 
stud the pathway of human life. Let us give God the praise that 
we meet to-day under such pleasant circumstances ; with un- 
feigned sincerity invoke His presence during our deliberations ; 
and when the hour of adjournment arrives, ask His benediction 
on our labors. Since our last annual session the cause of human 
progress has found many zealous friends ; and humanity to-day 
has attained to a higher plane than has hitherto been accorded 
to it by the world's most hopeful benefactors. In the glorious 
work of human elevation, our own noble brotherhood has par- 
ticipated ; and perhaps it is not too much to assume that our 
increasing membership, warm with sympathetic hearts and strong 
in the purposes of an unselfish friendship, has kept pace with the 
teachings of an enlightened and Christian philanthropy. Both 
in the numbers and the character of the men that compose our 
fraternity, we may well congratulate each other, and hopefully 
look forward to a day not far distant in the future, when we shall 
take rank, for deeds of charity and love, with institutions grown 
hoary with age and rich in the experiences that give a delightful 
charm to history. Happy, indeed, will be our lot if we fully 



1 1 2 THE KNIGHTS OF P YTHIAS 

appreciate our great privileges, and realize, to their full extent, 
the moral and social responsibilities of the times in which we 
live, and with heroic hearts go forth to fight the great battles 
against ignorance in all its various forms. 

One year ago I received at your hands the highest honor in 
your power to bestow. With much reluctance I accepted the 
honorable position. In my official duties I have endeavored, by 
courtesy and dignity in all my intercourse with men, and by 
fidelity to the trust confided, which alone can command respect 
and confidence, to maintain the honor of our institution. I 
now come before you to render an account of my stewardship. 
The year which has closed seemed to hold in its unflinching 
grasp the future destiny of our Order. The financial condition 
of the Supreme Lodge, and how to liquidate the debt, was the 
object of paramount importance. This constituted the one black 
cloud that darkened the prospects of the future and overshadowed 
all our efforts. Allow me to say it has been a year of toil and 
anxiety in your behalf. To promulgate the legislation of the 
last session, and carefully subserve your interests, required time, 
patience, and wisdom. Whether I have been equal to the de- 
mands made upon me, you must judge. I therefore crave your 
careful consideration of my official acts. 



Supreme Lodge Knights of Pythias, Session of August, 

1876. 

OFFICERS. 

S. S. Davis, Supreme Chancellor Manufacturer..Nashua, N. H. 

D. B. Woodruff, Supreme Vice Chancellor... Architect Macon, Ga. 

O. "Woodhouse, Supreme Prelate Clerk Hartford, Conn. 

JOHN B. Stumph, Supreme Master of Exch'r..Merchant Indianapolis,Ind. 

Jos. Dowdall, Supreme K. of R. and S Secretary Columbus, Ohio. 

Hugh Latham, Supreme Master at Arms. ..Clerk Alexandria, Va. 

Supreme Inner Guard 

W. H. Moyston, Supreme Outer Guard Merchant Memphis, Tenn. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 113 

REPRESENTATIVES. 

Dist. Columbia..G. J. L. Foxwell... 1 Clerk Washington City. 

" Jos. T. Coldwell... 2 Auctioneer " 

Pennsylvania... John P. Linton 1 Attorney at Law.... Johnstown. 

" . ..John W. Beebe 1 Hatter Philadelphia. 

" ...John Stotzer 2 Real Estate Agent.-Easton. 

" ....D. M. Blackburn.. 2 Conveyancer .Philadelphia. 

New Jersey...-. J. Down Heritage. 1 Physician Glassboro. 

« Moses F. Badgley. 2 Carpenter Newark. 

Maryland Geo. W. Lindsay.. 1 Judge Baltimore. 

Sam'l Sands Mills. 2 Sheriff 

Delaware Jer. J. McMullen.. I Baggage Master Wilmington. 

" E. B. Rice 2 Merchant Middletown. 

New York James Irwin 1 Artist Brooklyn. 

" John H. Meech.... 2 Academy of Music.Buffalo. 

Virginia L. L. Bass I Com. Merchant Richmond. 

" Geo. L. Simpson... 2 Merchant Alexandria. 

Connecticut Wm. Berry 1 Accountant Hartford. 

" H.A.Tyler 2 Ins. Agent 

West Virginia.. J. Rufus Smith I Lawyer Berkeley Springs. 

" ...Maner Jenkins 2 Collector Piedmont. 

Ohio L. Firestone 1 Physician Wooster. 

" A. C. Ulrich 2 Ins. Agent Cincinnati. 

Kentucky W. A. Cotter 1 Lawyer Newport. 

" Geo. W. Griffith... 2 Physician Louisville. 

California F. P. Dann I Attorney San Francisco. 

" Thos. Penniman... 2 Clerk " 

Nebraska F. Renner I Editor Lincoln. 

" John J. Monell, Jr. 2 Merchant Omaha. 

Indiana H.H.Morrison.... 1 Dentist Greencastle. 

" Samuel P. Oyler... 2 Lawyer ...Franklin. 

Massachusetts... And'w J. Hastings I Clerk Somerville. 

" ...Alonzo B.Stevens. 2 Foreman Lowell. 

Illinois D.J. Lyon I Lawyer Chicago. 

" D. A. Cashman.... 2 Printer " 

Iowa Aug. Althoff. I Merchant Burlington. 

" Jno.VanValkenburg 2 Attorney at Law.... Fort Madison. 

N. Hampshire.. J. T. S. Libbey I Editor Dover. 

" ...Daniel E. Howard 2 Insurance Concord. 

Rhode Island... Hiram L. Howard I Expressman Pawtucket. 

" ...James B. Brayton. 2 Steamboat Agent.... Newport. 

Georgia C. H. Brown 1 Merchant Savannah. 

" John Lord 2 Mechanic " 

10* H 

y 



1 14 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

REPRESENTATIVES — Continued. 

Wisconsin J. A. Henshall 1 Physician Oconomowoc. 

" L. W. Halsey 2 Lawyer Oshkosh. 

Missouri Chas. D. Lucas I County Recorder.... Kansas City. 

" Albert L. Aubin... 2 Lawyer St. Louis. 

Minnesota B. G. Merry 1 D. & D. S Stillwater. 

A.B.Curry 2 Book-keeper St. Paul. 

North Carolina..Sam'l M. Merrill... I Sup't Gas- Works,... Raleigh. 



Tennessee W.B.Thompson... 1 Minister Nashville. 

" Alex. Allison 2 Merchant Knoxville. 

Ontario Geo. H. Mitchell.. 1 Clerk Toronto. 

" Colin H. Rose 2 Lumber Dealer Chatham. 

Alabama John D. Wilkins... 1 Ins. Agent Selma. 

" B. F. Ludwig 2 Merchant Huntsville. 

Maine Robinson Williams 1 Merchant Portland. 

" J. W. Milliken 2 Clerk Bangor. 

Kansas E. L. Bartlett 1 Lawyer Wyandotte. 

" John Trump 2 Merchant Leavenworth. 

Michigan W.J. Long 1 Chicago. 

" W.R.Bates 2 Lawyer East Saginaw. 

Nevada S. H. Goddard 1 Carpenter Virginia. 

" Chas. E. Laughton 2 Accountant. Carson. 

Texas Sam'l P. Wright... 1 Prest. of College Waco. 

" W. M. Stafford 2 Cotton Broker Galveston. 

Mississippi J. B. Brown 1 Mechanic Vicksburg. 

" John S. Cain 2 Physician Okolono. 

Colorado Frank A. Pope I Judge Georgetown. 

" T. M. Fisher 2 Judge Cheyenne. 

The following officers of the Supreme Lodge were elected and 
installed for the term of two years : 

S. S. Davis Supreme Chancellor Nashua, N. H. 

D. B. Woodruff Supreme Vice Chancellor Macon, Ga. 

Charles D. Lucas Supreme Prelate Kansas City, Mo. 

John B. Stumph Supreme Master of Exch'r Indianapolis, Ind. 

Joseph Dowdall Supreme K. of R. and S Columbus, Ohio. 

A. Ewing Supreme Master at Arms Houston, Texas. 

W. H. Moyston Supreme Inner Guard Memphis, Tenn. 

J. W. Thompson Supreme Outer Guard Washington, D. C. 



We are pleased to report that the recent session of the S. L. 
was characterized by great unanimity and good feeling in all its 



• 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 115 

deliberations. Every Grand Jurisdiction was represented, being 
the largest attendance since the organization of the S. L. 

The reports showed the S. L. debt entirely paid, with suffi- 
cient money to meet all the expenses of the session. There is 
much that is left undone because of lack of funds, which would 
have been done had all Lodges and Grand Jurisdictions paid the 
full amount of the 20 cents per capita contribution to the S. L. 
debt. We would again remind all such that more than $3000 
was taken from the current receipts of the S. L. to pay the old 
debt, which should be returned. We again appeal to all Grand 
and Subordinate Lodges that have not already contributed the 
full amount of the 20 cents per capita, to do so, and thus enable 
the S. L. officers to print the bound volumes of proceedings, 
prepare and print a Digest of our laws, and establish the Order 
in foreign countries. These important measures cannot be car- 
ried out without money. 

We earnestly request all Grand Lodge officers to visit their 
subordinates, instructing and encouraging them. We fraternally 
urge the officers and members of Subordinate Lodges to be punc- 
tual at all meetings of the Lodges. Let every member bring one 
new member into the Order the coming year, and 100,000 will be 
added to the roll of Chivalrous Knights before the next session 
of the S. L. in Cleveland, Ohio. Is this too much to ask? We 
hopefully look forward to the result. 

Fraternally, Yours in F., C. & B, 

S. S. Davis, 
Supreme Chancellor. 

Attest : Joseph Dowdall, 

S.K. of R. andS. 



Proceedings of the Supreme Lodge. 

THE Supreme Lodge Knights of Pythias, having jurisdiction 
over the entire Order, reassembled on the 23d of August, 
at nine o'clock in the morning, in Common Council 
Chamber, D. B. Woodruff, Supreme Vice-Chancellor, presiding, 
in place of Supreme Chancellor S. S. Davis, who was sick. 



Il6 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

After the transaction of routine business, the report of the 
Supreme Chancellor was read, and referred to a committee of 
three for distribution. 

The Supreme Chancellor in his report shows the standing of 
the Order to be as follows : Number of Lodges in existence, 
1526; number of members, 99,431. There has been a net 
gain of 78 Lodges in 1875. The report concludes as follows : 

"I cannot close this report without an acknowledgment of 
my profound gratitude to the City Council of Philadelphia, for 
opening to the use of the Supreme Lodge during its session an 
edifice so glorious in historic associations. We enter this con- 
secrated place with emotions too deep for utterance. The 
hallowed spirit of the noble signers of the Declaration of In- 
dependence seems to pervade the air we breathe. These vener- 
able walls once resounded with the voices of men whose fame 
shall never perish, and whose patriotism finds no parallel in the 
shadowy past. As we remember that Hancock, Jefferson, Adams, 
Lee, Franklin, and Carroll, and their honored compeers sat in 
these halls and carved out the frame-work of a mighty Republic, 
let us bow in fervent gratitude to the great God for all the mer- 
cies vouchsafed to our beloved country. And may the motives 
which actuate us this day, be as pure, and our acts as unselfish, 
as were those of our fathers one hundred years ago. I would 
recommend the appointment of a committee to draft suitable 
resolutions, expressive of our thanks to the City Council for 
granting the use of this hall, and to the citizens and members 
of the Order for the numerous courtesies received." 

The report of the Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal, 
Joseph Dowdall, speaks of the success of the Order during the 
past twenty-seven months as follows : 

"It has established its financial credit, and maintained its 
dignity by paying all its debts and correcting, as far as possible, 
its hasty legislation. An Order that grew as rapid, and spread 
over this great Republic as quick, was liable to commit legisla- 
tive errors. The disposition at present to be more conservative 
and cautious in its legislative enactments is working well for its 
future prosperity. The lesson of the past should be a warning 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. \\J 

for all future time. The confidence of the membership that 
your legislation at this session will be for the best interests of 
our Order, I hope is not misplaced, and I firmly believe that 
greater prosperity awaits us in the future." 

The following is the financial condition of the Order through- 
out the jurisdiction on December 31, 1875 : Total receipts from 
the Subordinate Lodges in the various States, $888,062.14; paid 
out during the year for the relief of members of the Order, 
$191,666.18; for widowed families, $7,276.61; for burial of 
dead, $48,866.45 ; and for the education of orphans, $1,121.84; 
total amount paid for relief, $262,528.58. The widows and 
orphans' school fund amounts to $39,457.63. 

Several important laws and amendments were passed, one 
allowing Lodge officers and Past Chancellors to sit in the Lodge 
when wearing the jewel and not the regalia — one or the other 
must be worn, but both are not necessary. 



Supreme Chancellor's Report. August, 1876. 

To the Supreme Lodge Knights of Pythias of the World : 

Representatives and Brothers : — As dependent creatures, it 
becomes us at all times to acknowledge the goodness and mercy 
of God towards His children. From His munificent hand alone 
we receive every good and perfect gift. We are, indeed, the 
offspring of His love, and hence, here, at the very threshold of 
our annual session, would we bow in gratitude and thanksgiving 
for the preservation of our lives, and for all other blessings en- 
joyed by us during the past year. As we assemble in annual 
convocation, I trust we are truly grateful that we are permitted 
not only to mingle socially, and to enjoy friendly and fraternal 
greetings, but to review the record of the past year in our beloved 
Order and to legislate anew for its future growth and prosperity. 
In all our deliberations let us seek guidance and wisdom from Him 
to whom the past and the future are as one, and whose plans and 
purposes never fail, in the full assurance that with His appro- 



Il8 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

bation, the interests committed to our charge will never suffer 
defeat or overthrow. 

Fifteen eventful months have now passed away since our last 
annual session. In this period of time, brief though it is, many 
changes have occurred and important results taken place, both 
within our Order and without. In the business affairs of the nation 
and the world, the depression has been almost unprecedented ; 
while on the part of the masses of laboring men there has been 
a fearful struggle to earn sufficient to support themselves and fur- 
nish bread to their families. Destitution and want have con- 
fronted us on every hand and made heavy drafts on the resources 
of the Order, not anticipated by those possessed of the keenest 
foresight. Many of those demands we were illy prepared to 
meet, as with a light or empty treasury the ability to extend 
relief falls short of the inclinations of the benevolent heart. 
The lack of ample means, during the past year, has retarded the 
growth of our Order, and in some measure impaired its useful- 
ness. It has prevented thousands of worthy men from applying 
for admission, while many, very many, I regret to say, have been 
dropped from our rolls simply because of their inability to pay 
their dues. This statement of pecuniary embarrassment is not 
peculiar to the Knights of Pythias alone, but applies with equal 
force to other and older organizations. In my travels through 
the country, I have everywhere found great financial stringency, 
both among individual members and in lodges, operating as a 
heavy burden to all social and benevolent enterprises. Do not 
understand me to say, however, that there is a general lack of 
interest in sustaining this and kindred Orders ; but that adverse 
circumstances, which, to a greater or less extent, enter into every 
situation of life, have materially circumscribed the usefulness of 
our own institution as well as that of others longer in the field. 
Notwithstanding all this embarrassment we can congratulate our- 
selves on having wiped out the last vestige of our debt, so far as 
known, leaving sufficient funds in the treasury to meet the ex- 
penses of the current session. It has been the settled policy of 
your officers to incur no financial obligation that could not be 
promptly met with the means at their command. True, much 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. II9 

has been left undone that would have been accomplished, in a 
cheerful manner, if there had been sufficient funds at hand to 
have met the expenses. 

As I promised you on a former occasion that I should give 
my personal attention, during the year now closed, to building 
up the Order, at home and abroad, so far as in my power, so 
now I assure you that I have endeavored faithfully to redeem 
my promise. To this end, I was early convinced of the abso- 
lute necessity of a thorough acquaintance with the condition 
and wants of the Order, that I might render such assistance as 
seemed needful to make prosperous every branch of the institu- 
tion. In this respect I need not say that I have been both vigi- 
lant and active. As in the previous year, I have devoted all my 
time and energies to the welfare of our beloved Order, making 
the interests of the institution paramount to all others. It 
seemed to be a necessity incident to the times ; for I assure you 
that while this whole country is passing through this fiery trial in 
financial matters, it requires the utmost vigilance, and the most 
adroit management on the part of those in official stations, in 
the Order, to save the Grand and Subordinate Lodges from the 
'financial maelstrom which threatens to swallow them up. It is 
believed, however, that wise, prompt, and efficient action will 
enable us to bridge over the chasm for the present, and until the 
arrival of a prosperous future, when we shall be amply rewarded 
for the time and money expended during the season of financial 
embarrassment. Let us not forget, either, that such times as 
these are fruitful of discontent and uneasiness among the mem- 
bers. But I am pleased to learn that there is a disposition gen- 
erally prevalent to wait patiently for the coming of business pros- 
perity and to do all that is possible to sustain and strengthen the 
Lodges. And on the whole, after a fair review of the situation, I 
honestly believe the Order of Knights of Pythias is to-day 
in a better condition and on a firmer basis than at any previous 
period. Better men control it. Men of known character and 
integrity generally fill the positions of financial trust ; and Grand 
and Subordinate Lodges are constantly relieving themselves from 
the burdens of debt. Truly, a better day dawns upon us and we 



120 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

enter upon the labors of the session with renewed courage and 
thankfulness. 

Permit me now to lay before you a report of the executive 
branch of the Order for the past fifteen months. 

The Supreme Chancellor says that during the past year the 
following Subordinate Lodges have been instituted, working 
under the direct supervision of the Supreme Lodge, viz. : 

Inter-Ocean Lodge, No. 6, Denver, Colorado, Sept. 2, 1875. 

Frontier Lodge, No. 4, St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Sept. 
14, 1875. 

Myrtle Lodge, No. 3, Mansfield, Oregon, Sept. 23, 1875. 

Columbia Lodge, No. 7, Georgetown, Colorado, Feb. 26, 
i875- 

Yankton Lodge, No. 1, Yankton, Dakota Territory, Feb. 20, 
1876. 

Centennial Lodge, No. 8, Denver, Colorado, March 9, 1876. 

Damon Lodge, No. 4, Pendleton, Oregon, April 28, 1876. 

Orleans Lodge, No. 1, New Orleans, Louisiana, April 8, 
1876. 

Damon Lodge, No. 2, Shreveport, Louisiana, April 14, 1876. 

Centennial Lodge, No. 5, Hot Springs, Arkansas, June 12. 

All the Lodges in Colorado are now working under the Grand 
Lodge of Colorado. I hope to see Grand Lodges instituted in 
Oregon, Arkansas, and New Brunswick during the coming year. 

OUR ORDER. 

I have often been requested to give an official declaration of 
the principles, purposes, and aims of the Order of Knights of ' 
Pythias, which might be referred to as emanating from the 
highest authority in the Order. I recognize the S. L. as the 
highest authority, and have declined to answer it fully for you. 
It would be of great advantage in the attempt to establish the 
Order in foreign countries as well as in our own. Let such a 
declaration be made fully and with the official seal of the S. L., 
place it in the hands of intelligent men and it carries with it 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 121 

greater force than if simply made verbally; inasmuch as one 
member may state it entirely different from another. I would 
submit the following from Iowa, as a basis, viz. : 

Declaration of Principles and Purposes of the Order 
of K. of P. 

"To protect the principles of Knighthood unto death, which 
are to protect the weak, defend the right, alleviate the sufferings 
of a brother, watch with the sick, bury the dead, care for the 
widow, and educate the orphan; to practise those ennobling 
virtues, Friendship, Charity, and Benevolence; to exercise 
Charity towards offenders ; to construe words and deeds in the 
least unfavorable light ; granting honesty of purpose and good 
intentions to others, and throwing the mantle of charity over 
the unfortunate or misguided people that are to be found in 
every community ; to stop the circulation of slanders, and re- 
buke the slanderers ; to defend even the most bitter enemy 
when unjustly assailed — is to assist in the realization of the 
Hopes of the Knights of Pythias — Peace on earth and good- 
will toward men." 

It should further declare the non-sectarian or non-political 
character of our Order, and loyalty to the government under 
which the Order exists. Our principles are so little understood 
outside of our Order that many good people look upon us with 
suspicion and distrust. This should be corrected by a declara- 
tion emanating from the highest authority in the Order, and let 
it be proclaimed to the world. I would not only have this done, 
but would appeal to every member of the Order to become a 
living illustration of the principles enunciated. I rejoice that 
there have been so many noble exponents of our principles, not 
only in name, but by an honorable record of the past of their 
lives. Many still live in both high and humble positions in life. 
We have much, very much, to feel grateful for, especially the 
rapid growth of the Order. Ten years ago there was but one 
Lodge and fifty-two members. Now we have more than 1,500 
Lodges and about 100,000 members. It is pleasant to me to 
peer into the future of our institution, to think of its noble 



122 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

work and influence, and of the time when our hopeful songs 
shall be heard in the remotest parts of the earth. 

REVIEW. 

On account of my extended visits among the several jurisdic- 
tions, it was arranged between Brother Dowdall and myself that 
I should make some reference to each in my report. Otherwise 
I should have submitted to you a short report. I sent out blanks 
to all Grand Jurisdictions and D. S. C.'s, requesting them to 
fill them up, which would give me a correct knowledge of the 
standing and work of the Order everywhere. All but two 
Grand Jurisdictions responded, and only five D. S. C.'s reported. 
Taking the returns of Jan. ist, 1875, f° r those not reporting, 
and my own knowledge concerning them, I find our standing 
as follows, viz. : Number of Lodges in existence, 1,526; number 
of members, 99,431 ; number suspended in 1875, 12,368. Only 
six Grand Jurisdictions have reported a loss in Lodges. Twenty 
have reported a gain in Lodges. There has been a net gain of 
seventy-eight Lodges in 1875. But eleven Grand Jurisdictions 
have reported a loss in membership, while twenty have reported 
a gain. Pennsylvania reports a loss in membership of 3,307. 
But for this large shrinkage, there would have been a net gain 
in membership as well as of Lodges. These figures may differ 
somewhat from the statistics given by the S. K. of R. and S., 
which is accounted for by many Lodges working under the 
supervision of the S. L., and perhaps by some Grand Jurisdic- 
tions, failing to report. I have reckoned all the Lodges not 
known to be dead. There are thirty- four Grand Lodges which 
are expected will be represented at this session. I find thirteen 
Grand Lodges report debts, aggregating more than $12,000. 
Twenty Grand Lodges report no debt. From these statements 
we readily see that there has been a great effort made to preserve 
.the Lodges. I am pleased with this, feeling that, if they can be 
sustained until business revives, they will add largely to their 
membership. I feel that a great responsibility rests upon the 
Grand officers and D. S. C.'s of each jurisdiction. If they 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 1 23 

would preserve both Lodges and members to the Order, they must 
visit and encourage them, until the tidal-wave of business de- 
pression has in a measure passed. I am pleased to know that so 
many have been faithful in this respect. I earnestly appeal to 
them, to be even more vigilant in the future, and I am certain 
they will be abundantly rewarded. 

DEPUTY SUPREME CHANCELLORS. 

The following Deputy Supreme Chancellors are now in com- 
mission and acting in their several jurisdictions, viz. : 

Leo. Harmburger, Montreal, Province of Quebec. 

J. M. Otis, Rutland, Vt. 

H. N. Emlyn, Columbia, South Carolina. 

H. M. Small, New Orleans, La. 

Albert Cohen, Little Rock, Arkansas. 

Geo. F. Prescott, Salt Lake City, Utah. 

Edwin Wilcox, Portland, Oregon. 

N. T. Caton, Walla Walla, Washington Territory. 

David Dayton, Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands. 

Thos. Walker having resigned, I appointed J. R. Armstrong, 
of St. John, New Brunswick, for that jurisdiction. 

J. R. Brennan, of Denver, Colorado, resigned soon after the 
close of the last session of the S. L., and I appointed M. H. 
McNary, who served faithfully until a G. L. was instituted. 

Sup. Rep. J. W. Carter, of Nebraska, informed me he was 
expecting to reside at Yankton, Dakota Territory, and would act 
as D. S. C. for that Territory, and endeavor to work up a Lodge 
there. I commissioned him as requested. He subsequently insti- 
tuted Yankton Lodge, No. 1, at Yankton, with sixteen members. 

DECISIONS. 

Many questions have been submitted to me for decision, but 
most of them were answered by existing laws. Others were sub- 
ject to local laws. The following points of law have been fre- 
quently submitted to me, and I enter them upon the record for 
your consideration and for future reference. 



124 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

ist. "A C. C. may require a visiting member, presenting an 
order for the ■ S. A. P. W., to show a receipt for dues, before 
instructing him in the word. A receipt should always accom- 
pany an order for the S. A. P. W. Only the official receipt 
can be recognized as legal." The Special Committee on Travel- 
ling Shield, in their report at the last session, found on page 
1 1 45 of Journal, seemed to infer this, by the following: "That 
the S. C. be authorized to issue a universal S. A. P. W., which, 
in connection with the usual evidence of good standing" shall 
be sufficient to admit any Brother into any Lodge of the Order. 
Certainly the fact of being called upon to give the word to a 
stranger (which word would gain for him admittance to the 
Lodge), should justify a C. C. in requiring this " usual evidence 
of good standing" before giving the necessary instruction. All 
must recognize the official receipt not only as "usual evidence 
of good standing" but conclusive evidence. I have been asked 
to go further and rule that a visiting member who is in possession 
of the S. A. P. W., should, before entering a Lodge, produce a 
receipt for dues, and be examined in the Secret Work, claiming 
that this is embraced in the sentence quoted from the report of 
the committee. I declined ruling to this effect, and now submit 
the matter for your consideration. 

2d. "A ballot for a candidate for membership should be in- 
spected by the V, C, and the result announced by the C. C." 
I have found great diversity of practise on this point in Lodges 
I have visited. I think it should be uniform throughout the juris- 
diction, and accordingly so ruled. 

3d. "A Withdrawal Card out of date, may be renewed by the 
Lodge granting it. If the Lodge is defunct, the G. C. and G. 
K. of R. and S. may issue a Withdrawal Card on such terms as 
the laws provide. In the absence of any law, said officers may 
fix the terms." Until I examined your laws carefully, I supposed 
this to be the law. You will find that Article 8, paragraph 12, 
provides for renewal when the Card is "lost." In paragraph 
19, "lost, or destroyed accidentally." It does not provide for 
a Card out of date. You may find some objections to this ruling, 
but in the absence of any law providing for such an emergency, 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 125 

I have given this decision. If this is not the proper method of 
receiving back into the Order, one who has lost his connection 
with it by his Card expiring, I trust you will provide a law that 
will meet such cases. 

4th. "A Brother holding a Withdrawal Card in force, applies 
to a Lodge for membership by said Card, and is rejected. How 
soon may he make application again?" Answer. — He may 
apply to any other Lodge, or, in the absence of any local law, 
to the same Lodge at any time. I consider the relations and 
privileges of a member of the Order, entirely different from an 
applicant for initiation. The former has some rights in the 
Order, the latter none. 

5th. " Can a Lodge reconsider, or rescind a vote granting a 
Withdrawal Card, at the request of the Brother holding the 
Card ? ' ' Answer. — I see no objections to its being done. But 
never except at the request of the holder of the Card. A Card 
may be revoked, as provided in Section 2, Article 8, Constitu- 
tion of the S. L. 

6th. " Can fines and assessments be added to dues, to work 
a forfeiture of membership or benefits, before the time specified 
in the laws of the Supreme, Grand, or Subordinate Lodges?" 
Anstver. — No. This has been decided before. Being imperfectly 
understood, I enter it upon the records for the information of 
the members of the Order. 

7th. " Can any Lodge make a law exempting all new mem- 
bers from the payment of dues for six months after being enrolled 
as Knights? " Answer. — No. It would not be consistent with 
our laws or usages. 

The fourth decision, on page 1042. Jour, of last Session, does 
not convey what I intended. A literal construction would pre- 
vent a C. C. from instructing a member out of his jurisdiction 
in the S. A. P. W., even if he presented an order for it. It was 
intended that a C. C. should be empowered to instruct the mem- 
bers of his Lodge in the S. A. P. W. \ also, all members, in or 
out of his jurisdiction, presenting an order for it, under seal of 
his Lodge, signed by the C. C. and attested by the K. of R. and 
S. ? and presenting the usual evidence of his good standing. I 
11* 



126 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

make this correction, lest it should work hardship on members 
visiting Lodges outside their own jurisdiction. 



FOREIGN COUNTRIES. 

In my last report I laid before you such information as I had 
of the Order in England. Since then nothing has been accom- 
plished in establishing the Order there. In July, 1875, I re ~ 
quested Brother Fielden Ratcliff, of Rhode Island, who was going 
to England to reside, to make inquiry for any members of the 
Order in London, formerly members of Britannia Lodge, No. 1, 
and obtain any and all information pertaining to the status of 
the Lodge, or its members ; also to ascertain if any Lodges were 
in existence. He reported to me that he could not find any 
persons who claimed ever to have been members of Britannia 
Lodge. Another brother from the States made the same inquiry, 
and at last met with W. H. Davis, formerly C. C. of that Lodge, 
who informed him that Britannia Lodge was dead. That said 
Brother Davis had the rituals (old ones) in his possession. The 
Lodge never provided itself with working properties or regalias. 
Brother Davis expressed a desire to have the Order established 
in England, but believed it could be done successfully only by a 
Supreme Lodge officer going there and remaining long enough to 
see the Lodges well established and supplied with proper materials 
for working. I fully concurred in his opinion, and partially 
made arrangements to visit England for this purpose, under 
authority given me by your act of last session. But I was pre- 
vented by circumstances which made it necessary for me to 
remain in this country, and visit several jurisdictions on matters 
of great importance. Of this I shall report to you more fully 
elsewhere. 

I have been informed that the bogus Lodges, referred to in 
my last report, disbanded on learning that their existence was 
known to the S. L., and that no further attempt would be made 
at present to revive them. I have received numerous applica- 
tions from members going to England to institute Lodges there, 
but as yet I have not learned of any person properly qualified to 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. \2J 

do this important work. One individual made application who 
stated he was a member in good standing in a Lodge in this 
country ; he was especially persistent in pressing his request, but 
on information obtained of the Lodge of which he claimed to 
be a member in good standing, I found he had been suspended 
more than a year. There being so much uncertainty about the 
qualifications of all who applied, or who have been recommended, 
I abandoned all attempts to commission any one, believing the 
S. C, or some one known to possess the proper qualifications 
for the work, should go there and establish the Order on a sure 
basis, admitting none to membership but good and true men 
who will command the respect of the English people. I submit 
the matter to your consideration. 

Early in April, 1875, I received a letter from Brother H. W. 
Leonard, of Jersey City, N. J., saying he was going to Germany 
in June, and would be pleased to aid in establishing the Order 
in that country. He is a German. His parents reside in Han- 
over. He expressed a great desire that Lodges should be estab- 
lished in his native country. I had an interview with him 
relative to the matter, and commissioned him to first have an 
interview with "Bismarck," or the proper authorities, and ascer- 
tain whether the government would grant permission to establish 
the Order in his Dominions. While in Germany, he had an in- 
terview with "Bismarck," the result of which he reports to me 
in the following letter : 

S. S. Davis, S. C, Nashua, N. H. 

Dear Sir and Brother. — I herewith submit to you a short state- 
ment relating to my visit to Germany and the prospect of having the Or- 
der extended to that country. I was informed that before any steps were 
taken to introduce the Order into Germany, application must be made to the 
Chancellor of State, " Bismarck," and permission obtained. I therefore had 
an interview with him and stated the desire of very many of his countrymen, 
as well as Americans, members of the Order in the United States, to have 
the Order of Knights of Pythias established in Germany. He naturally 
wanted to know the objects of the Order, which I explained to him as well 
as I could, and he seemed to approve its purposes. But he expressed his 
regret that he could not, at that time, give permission to any new organi- 
zation to be introduced into that country on account of the trouble which 



128 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

existed there with a secret order of the Roman Catholics. The interview was 
a protracted and pleasant one, and I trust the time is not far distant when the 
K. of P. will be fully recognized and established in Germany. 

Fraternally yours, H. W. Leonard, 

June 26, 1876. C. C. of Centennial Lodge, No. 100, Jersey City, N. J. 

I regret permission could not be obtained at that time, as it 
was my desire to have at least five Lodges instituted there at 
once, a Grand Lodge organized, and full instructions given in 
the work and laws by which we are governed. I am desirous 
of having this done at the earliest possible moment, for the sake 
of the large number of Germans in this country who are zealous 
members of our Order. I would have them feel that we cordi- 
ally welcome them to our altar and fellowship, and to any and 
all official positions within our Order, making no distinction 
where our language can be spoken. I look with hope to the fu- 
ture, when the nations of Europe will welcome us to their shores 
and unite with us in disseminating through our Order the prin- 
ciples of friendship, charity, and benevolence. There are mem- 
bers scattered over England, Scotland, Wales, Germany, Hol- 
land, and Switzerland, who would joyfully and heartily unite in 
establishing our Order in their countries. With financial means 
and proper effort this may be accomplished in the early future. 
We are in a better condition to-day than ever before to enter 
upon this work. You have already given the authority, which I 
trust will be continued by your approval at this session. Before 
entering upon this work, however, myself, I found it absolutely- 
necessary to build up and strengthen the Order, to the extent of 
my power, in this country. This alone has prevented me from 
visiting Europe and laying the foundation there for the Order to 
build upon. 

OFFICIAL VISITATIONS. 

I cannot represent to you the full importance of the extended 
visits made by me, as it would not be wise to rehearse some of 
the causes. I intended leaving for England about the middle of 
August, 1875. But there arose a cloud in the West which 
threatened to destroy the peace and harmony of our Order. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 1 29 

Let this be the brief record of the troubles, as matters generally 
were arranged to the satisfaction of all. But it necessitated an 
extended trip through many Western States, which was entered 
upon by me after consultation with some of the officers and 
members of the S. L. who understood the situation. This trip 
occupied seven weeks of my time in travelling, and occasioned 
a large expense. I then arranged to go to England in February, 
but the Lodges in Colorado made application for a Grand Lodge, 
and insisted upon my visiting them for the purpose of instituting 
the same. Besides this, nothing had been done in Louisiana to 
place the Order on a firm basis, or to correct the irregularities 
which existed there. On consultation with the S. K. of R. and 
S., it was decided that the trip to England should be abandoned 
for the present, and every effort made to build up the Order at 
home. That at the earliest possible time I should visit Missis- 
sippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, Mis- 
souri, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado (and institute the G. L. as 
per application), Wyoming Territory, Utah, Nevada, and Cali- 
fornia. It was deemed best, while in Denver, Col., that the 
jurisdictions west of them should be visited, as the expense would 
be comparatively small. All were very anxious it should be 
done. I hesitated before making this outlay of time and money, 
but felt that I must go to Louisiana without fail, as per your 
order; and while there, the jurisdictions which I passed through 
and near, could be visited without much extra expense. While 
so far south and west it seemed to be the time to go to Colorado, 
and when in Colorado, the only time to visit the jurisdictions 
farther west. I found a great diversity in the modes of working, 
and in understanding our laws. I aimed to make the work uni- 
form, and to correct all errors. Not only this has been done 
very generally, but many were encouraged to work for the sup- 
port of the Lodges where they were previously in doubt. Some 
of your Representatives can testify to the results which have fol- 
lowed these visits, and I will now give you as brief a statement 
as possible of the visits made by me and the information ob- 
tained. I did not receive the Book of Secret Work until late 

I 



I30 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

in July, 1875, an d deferred official visits until that time. I 
then visited the session of the 

GRAND LODGE OF NEW YORK. 

July 27th, which was held in Brooklyn. I found a large and 
intelligent body of men present, generally disposed to give the 
S. L. a cordial and hearty support. But many of them did not 
properly understand the situation of its affairs, and the impor- 
tance to the whole Order of giving it the financial support asked 
for, and so much needed. Many had lost confidence in its 
officers and their management of S. L. affairs. They needed 
the assurance that the affairs of the S. L. were now being ad- 
ministered faithfully and honestly, in order to restore confidence 
and secure their support. I presented the claims of the S. 
Lodge and its necessities as best as I could, and was pleased to 
know that by a unanimous vote they appropriated the entire 
amount of the 20 cents per capita remaining unpaid, from the 
funds of the G. L. Much credit is due G. C. Meech (now Sup. 
Rep.) for his efforts in bringing about this desired result. This 
jurisdiction, with others, had been very unfortunate in the man- 
agement of its financial affairs, but it has nobly met the emer- 
gency and is now free from debt. It is a pleasure to say that 
faithful officers now administer the affairs of the G. Lodge. I 
was cordially received and heartily welcomed to their generous 
hospitality. They report a gain of twelve Lodges and 215 in 
membership during the year 1875. Great credit is due the 
Grand officers for their zeal and efforts in preserving the 
Lodges, and for the able management of the financial affairs of 
the G. L. 

RHODE ISLAND. 

On my return from New York, I met, by appointment, the 
officers of the G. L. and Representatives from nearly all the 
Subordinate Lodges in this jurisdiction, and gave them full in- 
struction in the Secret Work. I also visited their G. L. in 
February, installed the officers, and gave the members further 
instructions in the Secret Work and Laws. This is a small 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. I3I 

jurisdiction, struggling with a debt which brings with it many 
embarrassments. There are many able men in the G. L., and I 
believe the time is not far distant when the Order will emerge 
from its difficulties and become a prosperous jurisdiction. I 
have always been received by the brethren in Rhode Island 
with a generous hospitality. There has been no increase of 
Lodges during the year; the number is the same as last re- 
ported. There has been a decrease in membership of 155, 
which is largely due to the depression in business, which is 
everywhere felt in manufacturing localities. Many members 
being out of employment are absolutely unable to pay their 
dues. This is not peculiar to this jurisdiction alone ; the same 
influence is felt in every section of our country to a greater or 
less degree. 

METROPOLITAN LODGE, No. 1, MONTREAL, P. Q. 

Having learned that this Lodge was not working regularly, I 
visited them August 5th, 1875. I found they had held no meet- 
ing since the election of officers in June. A special meeting 
was called in my behalf. I conferred the ranks on a candidate, 
and gave full instructions in the work and laws. I endeavored 
to impress them with the importance of personal effort on the 
part of both officers and members, and especially enjoined 
prompt attendance of the officers at all the meetings. The 
officers elect had not been installed, but being present I per- 
formed the ceremony. I am convinced now that had they been 
willing to remain under the jurisdiction of the G. L. of Ontario, 
it would have been greatly to their advantage. I have been able 
to obtain but little information from the D. S. C. of late. From 
this I fear they are not working, and are dormant, if not dead. 
This Lodge, as near as I can learn, has never been a vigorous 
and prosperous one. It is surrounded with Catholics, who will 
not allow their members to belong to any secret organization 
there. I should have visited them this year, had I not been 
absent so long in the South and West. 



132 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

ILLINOIS. 

I visited this Grand Lodge October 18th, and remained with 
them during the session. There seemed to have been a misun- 
derstanding on some matters of importance to the Order, which 
I am pleased to say were amicably adjusted. I was surprised to 
learn of the fearful financial embarrassments of the G. L. 

I am informed that the Subordinate Lodges have been paying 
a large per capita tax, and a tax of $i for each rank conferred. 
Notwithstanding this burdensome tax, and the large receipts 
into the Exchequer of the Grand Lodge, including $5,208.50 
unexpended balance of fund contributed for the relief of suf- 
ferers by the great fire, they now find a debt of four or five thou- 
sand dollars, as near as I can learn. G. C. Willetts is a faithful, 
honest officer, and is trying to bring these matters to a settle- 
ment. He deserves the sympathy and support of all friends of 
the Order. 

I trust the time is not far distant when this debt will be paid, 
and all embarrassments removed. 

Notwithstanding all these difficulties there has been an increase 
of membership of 289, but a loss of two Lodges. At the last 
session of the G. L. a compulsory mortuary law was passed as an 
amendment to the Constitution of Subordinate Lodges, which 
has met with opposition from some Lodges. A memorial or 
protest against the legality of this act has been received from 
Calantha Lodge, No. 47, and will be submitted to you for con- 
sideration and definite action. 

WISCONSIN. 

From Chicago I went to Milwaukee and Oshkosh, Wisconsin, 
to visit the Grand officers and members, on important matters 
affecting the whole Order. In consultation with Brothers Dow- 
dall and Stumph, it was decided that it was important that I 
should visit Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Kentucky, 
Tennessee, and South Carolina, before I returned. The occa- 
sion for this I need not mention now. I met the G. C. and 
many members of the Order, and gave them full instructions in 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 1 33 

the Secret Work, and such advice as was required on all matters. 
They gave me full assurance of loyalty to the Supreme Lodge, 
and its laws. The present officers of the G. L. are able and 
efficient in their duties. They, with those of other jurisdictions, 
have their trials, but I have the fullest confidence in their ability 
and loyalty to our Order. I am pleased to learn there has been 
a gain of one Lodge and 207 in membership in this jurisdic- 
tion. And with a membership at present of 798, there have been 
but 46 suspended during the past year for non-payment of dues. 



MINNESOTA. 

I arrived in St. Paul October 26th, 1875, an ^ met the officers 
of the Grand Lodge, and many members of the Subordinate 
Lodges. A cordial reception was given me by this jurisdiction, 
and I was made to feel that all were in full sympathy with the 
Supreme Lodge in their efforts to extend the Order. I visited 
a German Lodge in St. Paul, and witnessed the conferring of the 
ranks. The work was done in a most creditable manner. It 
has been my purpose, wherever I have been, to encourage our 
German Brothers. We are glad to receive them, and extend to 
them all the honors of the Order. We desire their aid in the 
introduction of the Order into Germany, at some future time. 

I received an appeal from this jurisdiction from the action of 
the Grand Lodge, which I would gladly have referred to you for 
decision. But a ruling being demanded, I gave a decision, from 
which no appeal has been taken, so far as I am informed. I am 
pleased to learn that there has been an increase of two Lodges 
and 106 in membership since our last session. This jurisdiction 
was not represented at the session in Washington, but I am as- 
sured it will be fully represented at this. The G. L. , at its last 
session, passed a compulsory insurance law, which was submitted 
to me for approval. I asked that it be laid before the S. L., as 
the subject was one of great importance. This request was 
granted, and I submit the papers and documents to you. 



134 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

MISSOURI. 

I called on G. C. Low, of St. Louis, and held an interview 
with him. I visited one of the Lodges in the city, giving such 
instruction and words of encouragement as were in my power. 
From what I learned here, I judged Missouri was doing but little 
in work, and making but little progress. I was informed the 
membership in some of the city Lodges was not of the best class. 
Still there were many able, excellent, and most worthy members, 
who did not take an active part in the business affairs of the 
Lodges. April 24th, 1876, on my way to Colorado, I called on 
G. C. Chas. D. Lucas, a most zealous and efficient officer. The 
spirit of the G. L. officers in Iowa seems to have been wafted 
over the fertile fields of Missouri, and inspired the hearts of the 
officers of Grand and Subordinate Lodges with the true zeal. 
Brother Lucas has honored himself, and the Order, by his fidelity 
to the trust confided to him. Defunct Lodges have been revived, 
and made efficient and earnest workers. He has visited the 
Lodges in the State, giving them thorough instruction in the 
work and laws of the Order. I need not tell you that the result 
has been most encouraging. It is the natural result of untiring 
effort. I visited one of the Lodges in Kansas City while on my 
way West, and witnessed the work in the Amplified Third, which 
was well done. The officers are able and efficient in their duties. 
They extended to me the hospitalities worthy of chivalrous 
Knights. I am pleased to learn they have made a gain of four 
Lodges and a small gain in membership since my last report. 

KENTUCKY. 

I arrived in Louisville November 2d, 1875, an d called on the 
G. L. officers located there. They gave me a cordial welcome. 
G. C. Mavity, and others, were untiring in their efforts to make 
my stay with them pleasant. I was pleased to note the standing 
and character of the men who compose the Lodges here, but 
think I discovered a lack of interest on the part of the members 
generally, which, I regret to say, pervades some other sections. 
I was placed under many obligations by the kindnesses of Sup. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 1 35 

Rep. Griffith, who is present with us at this session. I should 
be pleased to note more fully the kindness shown me here and 
wherever I have visited, but do not feel justified in taking space 
or time in its rehearsal. There has been no decrease in the 
number of Lodges, but a loss in membership of 197. 

TENNESSEE. 

Passing through this State on my way to South Carolina, I 
stopped at Nashville, to meet some of the G. L. officers and 
members of the Order. Sup. Rep. W. B. Thompson, with 
others, gave me a cordial welcome, and extended many courte- 
sies to me. Business depression has had its influence in holding 
back the Order from making the progress which it otherwise 
would have made in this jurisdiction, and it requires the wisest 
management on the part of the G. L. officers to preserve the 
Lodges in existence, and retain the membership. Four Lodges 
have surrendered their charters, and two new ones have been 
instituted, making a decrease of two Lodges since January 1st, 
1875. But I am pleased to learn that there has been a small 
gain in membership. There are now sixteen Lodges and 638 
members. This is a small membership for Tennessee, but I 
trust, with a revival in business, there will be a large increase in 
Lodges and members. I visited the Lodges in Nashville, and 
the Lodge in Chattanooga, giving them instruction in the work, 
encouraging them to labor for the increase of membership and 
to sustain their Lodges, believing there was a "good time com- 
ing" for the Order of Knights of Pythias in Tennessee. 

GEORGIA. 

I learned that I must pass through Atlanta on my way to 
South Carolina, and on arriving there, I was met by S. V. C. 
Woodruff, and other members of the Order. I spent the even- 
ing with the Lodges of Atlanta, enjoying their hospitalities and 
courtesies^ and giving instructions in the work. I found the 
members were mostly young men, of the best class, and efficient 
in work. I did not intend visiting other cities in this State, 



I36 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

being very anxious to go to South Carolina, and then return 
home. But I was persuaded by your S. V. C, and others, to 
visit Macon and Savannah. At Macon, the home of S. V. C. 
Woodruff, I met with a most hearty welcome from him and the 
G. C. and members of the Order. I visited the Lodges there, 
giving such instructions as were desired. In company with 
Brother Woodruff I went to Savannah, where I was received 
with all the honors of the Order, and was placed under many 
obligations by their great thoughtfulness and kindness. I shall 
never forget my reception in this beautiful city of the South, 
or the testimonial, so beautifully engrossed, presented by the 
Lodges in convention. There are five Lodges in this city, com- 
posed of energetic, earnest men. I witnessed the work in the 
Amplified Third rank in two of the Lodges, which was done in 
as perfect a manner as I ever had seen. There was a faithful- 
ness in the delineation which impressed me with the great beauty 
of the work. Some suggestions were made relative to changes 
in the work to make it still more effective and impressive. The 
music was especially appropriate and beautiful, and added largely 
to the interest in the work. I would suggest to all Lodges that 
this department should receive greater consideration, and be 
made more appropriate. 

Since the above was written, I have received the report of the 
G. C. at the session in July, and regret to learn that three 
Lodges have surrendered or been suspended since January 1st, 
1876. And to quote his words — " The Order has been stricken 
with paralysis, and death has been the result in some localities. 
The causes of this decrease and fatal state I have not as yet 
discovered, but the sad results are not to be overlooked." If 
the G. C. is not aware of the causes of this state of the Order, it 
would be useless for me to attempt to explain them. I can but 
think, however, that the depression in business, so general in 
this country, has contributed largely to this result. I trust every 
effort possible will be made by the able and efficient Grand offi- 
cers to preserve the Lodges until business shall revive, when, I 
feel sure, the Lodges will be strengthened by large additions by 
initiation, and many former members will return. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 1 37 

SOUTH CAROLINA. 

From Savannah I went to Columbia, S. C, and called on G. 
C. H. N. Emlyn. After a careful review of the situation of the 
Order in this jurisdiction, he placed in my hands the following 
written statement, upon which I could base future action, and 
give you a correct idea of the condition of the Order in S. C. 

Columbia, S. C, Nov. 15, 1875. 
S. S. Davis, S. C. Knights of Pythias. 

Dear Sir and Brother. — It is with regret that I inform you of the retro- 
gression of Pythian affairs in this jurisdiction. I will give you a brief state- 
ment, upon which you will take such action as you may deem best. 

Palmetto Lodge, No. 1, is defunct. 

Damon Lodge, No. 2, is in existence, with few members. 

Myrtle Lodge, No. 3, is in good working condition. 

Friendship Lodge, No. 4, exists in name only. 

Germania Lodge, No. 5, exists in name only. 

Stonewall Lodge, No. 6, exists in feeble condition. 

Charity Lodge, No. 7, exists in name only. 

No. 2 is without material or population to draw upon for members. No. 3 
is the best in the State, but in arrears for two terms at the end of the present. 
No. 4 is in arrears for four terms, and holds conventions irregularly, if at 
all. No. 5 has never reclaimed their properties surrendered for a consoli- 
dation, which was decided illegal. No. 6 is in arrears for five or six 
terms, but holds conventions. No. 7 is defunct in all views save a surrender. 
My efforts to keep up the Grand and Subordinate Lodges have been in vain. 
The moneys which should have been in the Exchequer are not there. The 
Past Grand officers have failed to account for them, and the means are not 
at my command to any longer carry out the demands of the Order in this 
jurisdiction. Without the proper financial support, the Grand Lodge must 
be classed with the majority of the Subordinate Lodges, namely, it exists in 
name only. I regret that the only course which can be pursued will be a 
revocation of the charter ; but sincerely trust a careful and timely pruning 
may give the Order a new, vigorous, and fruitful growth. 

All of which is respectfully submitted. 

(Signed) H. N. Emlyn, G. C. K. of P. of South Carolina. 

By advice of Brother Emlyn, after carefully reviewing the 
situation of affairs, I issued the following order : 
12* 



138 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Columbia, S. C, Nov- 15, 1875. 
H. N. Emlyn, G. C. G. L. of South Carolina. 

Dear Sir and Brother. — I hereby acknowledge the receipt of your 
letter of this date, containing a statement of the standing and condition 
of the Grand Lodge and Subordinates in your jurisdiction. With you 
1 regret the embarrassments which exist, and accord to you much credit for 
your efforts to revive the Order and place it upon a firm basis. Your state- 
ment shows but one Lodge working regularly, and two others maintaining an 
existence, and all in arrears to the Grand Lodge. The Grand Lodge is 
also in arrears to the S. L., having paid no tax for several years. Being in 
possession of this information, and by your advice, I declare the Grand Lodge 
of South Carolina suspended and dissolved, for the following constitutional 
provisions : 

1st. By its membership diminishing, so that less than a constitutional quo. 
rum of Lodges may be left. 2d. For neglecting or being unable to pay to 
the Supreme Lodge the required tax. All of which is subject to the approval 
or action of the S. L. The functions and powers of the Grand Lodge 
having been suspended, I appoint you D. S. C. for the jurisdiction of South 
Carolina, and enclose your commission as such. You will please forward 
to the S. K. of R. and S., the charter, rituals, and all books, papers, and 
other documents and property of the G. L. at the earliest date. Trusting 
the time is not far distant when South Carolina will take rank with other 
jurisdictions, and we shall have the pleasure of returning the charter sur- 
rendered, 

I remain, yours fraternally, in F. C. B., 

S. S. Davis, 
Supreme Chancellor. 

I visited Myrtle Lodge, No. 3, before leaving the city, and I 
was pleased with the appearance of the members. I trust they 
may receive from you some token of recognition of their fidelity 
under the trying circumstances which have surrounded them. 

I went to Charleston and called on Brothers Smyth and Burt, 
formerly Representatives in the S. L., but learned they had left 
the Order. In their opinion many of the members in this city 
were a disgrace to any respectable organization, and I fully con- 
curred in that opinion. Past officers of the Grand Lodge had 
been guilty of dishonesty and fraud, bringing a disgrace upon 
the whole Order which it would take years to overcome. These 
and all good men, former members, said it would be useless to 
attempt to do anything with any of the Lodges pretending to 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 1 39 

exist in the city \ that the only course to pursue was to revoke 
all the charters of the Lodges in the city, and institute new ones 
with only good men. Only on condition that this was done, 
would the respectable portion of the former members give the 
Order their countenance or support. After patiently hearing 
all that was said, and learning the situation, I issued an order 
revoking (subject to your approval) the charters of Palmetto 
Lodge, No. 1, Friendship Lodge, No. 4, Germania, No. 5, and 
Stonewall, No. 6, all located in the city of Charleston. I col- 
lected all the paraphernalia, books, charters, etc., which I could 
find, being only a part, and stored them with Mr. Geo. Cook, 
a photographer, in the rear of the hall formerly occupied by the 
Lodges, and it remains there yet so far as I am informed. The 
rituals and books, so far as received, were sent to the S. K. of 
R. and S., by me, with the exception of one set of rituals, to 
be used by the new Lodge, if instituted, which was left with 
Albert Prince, former D. D. G. C. I called a meeting of some 
of the former members, of good standing in the community, 
and made every effort in my power to have them unite in form- 
ing a new Lodge. I proposed liberal financial inducements, 
regarding charter, rituals, paraphernalia, etc., but could not 
induce them to undertake the enterprise at that time. Another 
meeting was appointed, at which I had good reason to believe 
the new Lodge would be instituted and put into successful oper- 
ation. I left the city next day, having been there four days. 
I regret to say that since then nothing has been done. The 
withdrawal cards were sent for those persons who requested them, 
and who were to compose the new Lodge, but were not taken. 
I see no other course to pursue, but to wait until the odium, 
brought upon the Order by the former membership, shall, in a 
measure, have been forgotten, and then institute a new Lodge 
of such material as will be a credit to the Order everywhere. 

Had there never been a Lodge instituted in the city, I could 
have organized two Lodges during my stay there. I trust all will 
drop the veil over the past, and let it pass into oblivion, but 
make the future such as shall reflect credit upon all who shall 
become members in the city of Charleston. I trust you will 



140 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

confirm these official acts of mine, believing no other course 
could have been pursued under the circumstances. On my way 
to North Carolina, I stopped in Florence and met a few of the 
members of Damon. Lodge, No. 2. Brother J. S. Sing I found 
was the mainstay of the Lodge. There was not a quorum of 
members residing in the place, and they could not hold meet- 
ings. I gave them assurance of all the assistance in my power, 
and encouraged them to rally their members to the support of 
the Lodges. They have maintained an existence, by great effort, 
and with a revival in business I am convinced the Lodge will be 
sustained. Charity Lodge, No. 7, of Orangeburg, I consider 
dead, with no hopes of ever being revived. The Order is in- 
debted to Brother H. N. Emlyn, for his faithful efforts to pre- 
serve the Order in South Carolina, and as he served nearly one 
year as G. C. and richly earned the honors, I trust you will con- 
fer upon him the full rank of P. G. C. Damon Lodge, No. 2, 
of Florence, and Myrtle Lodge, No. 5, of Columbia, are the only 
Lodges in existence in the State. 

NORTH CAROLINA. 

I met the members of the Order at Wilmington, on my way 
North, and was received and made welcome to their State. 
Their kindness and attentions were constant, and will long be 
remembered. I regret that I cannot reciprocate them, but will 
enter this upon record as an appreciation of the courtesies ex- 
tended. I am pleased to learn by reports that this jurisdiction 
has made a gain of three Lodges and fifty-two members during 
the year. Great credit is due the members of this jurisdiction 
for their zeal in sustaining the Order so nobly, notwithstanding 
the difficulties they have had to contend with. 

VIRGINIA. 
I called on Supreme Representatives Carrington and Wade, 
also G. K. of R and S., L. S. Edwards, in Richmond, and spent 
a day very pleasantly. I am pleased to learn that they have 
made no decrease in Lodges, having the same number as reported 
January 1st, 1875. There has been a loss in membership, which 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 141 

is caused by the financial and business depression which pervades 
our country. With a revival in business, I predict a rapid in- 
crease in the Order in this jurisdiction. 

DELAWARE. 

I called on the G. K. of R. and S., of this jurisdiction, and 
learned that the Lodges were struggling against many adverse 
circumstances, similar to those which affect all jurisdictions. 
There has been a loss of one Lodge, and a considerable loss in 
membership, a large number having been suspended. I look 
forward to the future prosperity of the Order in Delaware. 

NEW JERSEY. 
I visited the Grand Lodge of New Jersey at its session, Feb- 
ruary, 1876, receiving a cordial welcome from the officers and 
members. Although comparatively a small State, there are but 
two jurisdictions that have a larger membership. I learn they 
have made an increase in Lodges, but a loss in membership, 
which may be attributed to the same cause affecting our Order 
so generally. The G. L. is free from debt, and its financial 
affairs seem to be managed with economy, and without burden- 
some taxation of the membership. I am informed this jurisdic- 
tion is to be largely represented in the parade at this session. 

PENNSYLVANIA. 
I visited the session of the Grand Lodge in August, 1875, an d 
was received most cordially. This is the largest jurisdiction, 
requiring great care and wisdom in the management of its busi- 
ness, all of which I believe is faithfully administered by the 
present efficient board of Grand officers. My relations with 
them and this jurisdiction have been most pleasant, and I have 
often met them in consultation in the interest of the Order. 
We meet to-day in the city of Brotherly Love, where we find 
the nations of the earth assembled in fraternal and peaceful rep- 
resentation of the industries of the world. We mingle our con- 
gratulations with all, in the world's progress, in every branch of 
industry which advances civilization, as represented in the Cen- 



142 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

tennial Exposition now in progress in this city, and welcome to 
our country all nations. We rejoice with the nation at the prog- 
ress made during the last century, in that which makes a nation 
great. We congratulate the city of Philadelphia upon being the 
spot where this nation was born ; and now at the close of a cen- 
tury, the nations of the earth have come to join in the Centen- 
nial jubilee. Truly, this city has been made almost sacred by 
those who have here not only given a nation to the world, but 
hallowed it by their devotion to its great future, in laying sure 
and deep its foundation. We come together as one of the benev- 
olent secret organizations of the land, not only to transact the 
business usual to our annual session, but to publicly express our 
gratitude for the blessings of the past century. The jurisdiction 
of Pennsylvania is honored by the events now passing within its 
borders, the record of which will be handed down to centuries 
to come. We come with no feelings of envy to this favored 
jurisdiction, for we claim a share of the honors to each and 
every citizen and member of this Order. It is fitting we should 
meet in this city to-day. It was here that the first steps were 
taken for the organization of this Supreme Lodge. The Grand 
Lodges in existence May, 1868, met here in convention by their 
delegates and laid the foundation of this body, — the District of 
Columbia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and Delaware, 
composing that convention. August nth, 1868, this Supreme 
Lodge came into existence, the previous action of the five Grand 
Lodges having been ratified by their vote. It is not a centen- 
nial for us to-day, but the few years of our Order have been 
marked with a progress unknown to any similar organization. 
To-day there are 430 Lodges in this jurisdiction of Pennsylva- 
nia, and nearly 40,000 members. I trust its progress in the 
future may be greater than in the past. 

I had contemplated a trip to Europe for the purpose of estab- 
lishing the Order there, but finding it imperative that some 
action should be had in placing the Order on a better footing in 
Louisiana, and being requested to institute a Grand Lodge in 
Colorado, I abandoned the trip to Europe. March 18th, 1876, 
I started for the South and West, stopping at Columbus, Ohio, 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 1 43 

to confer with the S. K. of R. and S., relative to the extent of 
my official visits, and what was to be accomplished thereby. I 
desired to be present at the session of the Grand Lodge of 

MISSISSIPPI, 
but was prevented by circumstances beyond my control. I met 
the Lodges and members of Vicksburg, and gave them instruc- 
tion in the work. Was pleased to meet P. G. C. Wm. French, 
who has done so much to establish and preserve the Order in 
this State, and from whom I received many courtesies. Not- 
withstanding adverse circumstances, there has been a gain of one 
Lodge and a small gain in membership during the year. I then 
went to 

LOUISIANA. 

Stopping at New Orleans, I called on D. S. C. Small, and 
conferred with him relative to the Order in the city and State. 
I also called on many others who were former members, consult- 
ing with them as to the best course to pursue. I spent several 
days among former members of the better class. All were dis- 
couraged, but were unanimous in this, that the charters of all 
Lodges ever existing in the State must be revoked. All were 
virtually dead, and had been for more than two years. No 
definite action being taken, they held all their properties, and 
some of them even claimed an existence. After spending much 
time looking over the situation of affairs, I issued an order revok- 
ing the charters of all the subordinate Lodges that had existed 
in the State, fourteen in all. The better class of former mem- 
bers would not connect themselves with any existing Lodges, 
and would have nothing to do with the Order again unless this 
action was taken. I then called together a number of the old 
members and instituted a new Lodge, known as Orleans Lodge, 
No. 1, giving them the paraphernalia, rituals, etc., of the old 
Lodge of the same number. There were 13 former members 
present when this Lodge was instituted. They elected their 
officers? who were installed by me, and I gave instruction in the 
work and general laws of the Order. By request of the Lodge, 
by vote, I appointed H. M. Small D. S. C. for the State. In 



144 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

July they reported they had 25 members. What I did, seemed 
for the best, and I trust it will receive your approval. I spent 
eight days in New Orleans to accomplish this work, and to col- 
lect, as far as possible, the rituals and working properties of the 
defunct Lodges. These properties were stored in private houses 
and shops in different parts of the city. I collected and burned 
two sets of old rituals, and instructed the D. S. C. to collect all 
properties of former Lodges that could be found, and hold the 
same subject to orders. It will be very difficult to get possession 
of these properties, as most of them are held by persons who 
paid out money for rent of halls, which never has been refunded. 
They will hold on to the property as security until the debt is 
paid. I found everything in confusion. 

It would be useless to discuss the cause of disaster to the Order 
in this State. I have endeavored to blot out all trace of the past, 
and to build^ anew on a better foundation, and with careful 
management I believe the effort will succeed. April 14th I 
instituted Damon Lodge, No. 2, at Shreveport, La., having re- 
ceived a petition before leaving home. It was composed of 
20 members at the organization, all of whom seemed very much 
interested. I installed their officers and gave them instruction 
in the work. Since then I learn they are increasing rapidly in 
membership. At present there are but these two Lodges in the 
State, which is a beginning of what I earnestly hope may be a 
prosperous future for this unfortunate jurisdiction. I trust my 
official acts in this jurisdiction may receive your approval. 

Before leaving New Orleans finally, I visited the Lodges in 
Mobile, Alabama, and found them all in a dormant condition. 
One Lodge had surrendered its charter, and the remaining two 
were not working. A fine hall had been fitted up for the use of 
the Order. I learn that in the central and the northern parts of 
the State the Order is flourishing, and the Grand officers are ear- 
nest in their efforts to build up prosperous Lodges. 

TEXAS. 

I found that I should be obliged to go through Galveston to 
reach Shreveport, La. Hence, I spent one evening with the 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 1 45 

Lodges in the former city. It was refreshing to me to meet 
members of the Order, alive to its interests, as I found them 
here. The work was done with exactness and fidelity to the 
ritual, by able officers who had memorized the entire work. I 
am proud of the Lodges and members of this jurisdiction, and 
am indebted to P. G. C. W. M. Stafford for many courtesies. 
There has been a gain of four Lodges, and nearly ioo members, 
since January ist, 1875. The Grand Lodge is out of debt. 

ARKANSAS. 

After visiting Shreveport, La., and instituting a Lodge there, 
I visited the Lodge at Little Rock, where I met D. S. C. Albert 
Cohen, and learned of him that none of the four Lodges were 
working. The Lodge in Little Rock had held no meetings since 
February 24th. A few of the members met me in their hall, and 
I learned from them that the cause of the enfeebled condition of 
the Lodge was lack of interest. There is no disturbing element 
in the Lodge, and no debt. And this I judge to be the case 
with all the Lodges in this State. I endeavored to infuse a spirit 
into the members to attend the meetings, and give a hearty sup- 
port to the Lodge. I feel confident it will be done, and that the 
Lodges will be saved to the Order as a result of this visit. 

July 3d, 1876, D. S. C. Cohen writes me that he has instituted 
Centennial Lodge, No. 5, at Hot Springs, under most favorable 
circumstances. He says, " we have now another live Lodge in 
our State, and erelong we hope to be able to ask for further ap- 
plications. Our cause is looking up here in Little Rock, and 
throughout the entire State." He expects to save all the Lodges, 
and infuse new life into them. 

MEMPHIS, TENN. 
I had been earnestly requested to visit the Lodges in this city, 
while in their vicinity. I spent one evening with them. One 
of the Lodges worked the Amplified Third rank finely, using no 
books % I learned that there was a lack of interest in and attend- 
ance upon the meetings of the Lodges. I was requested to ask 
you to legislate so that the G. L. rank may be conferred upon 
13 K 



14^ THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

P. C.'s, who are entitled to the rank, in the city or town where 
they reside, as it is impossible for very many of them to pay 
their own expenses to the session of the G. L., residing, as they 
do, a great distance from the place where the sessions are held. 
They also ask that the Jewel constitute the full working regalia 
for P. C.'s and Knights. I trust you will give these matters your 
careful consideration. 

KANSAS. 

While in Kansas City, Mo., I visited Leavenworth, meeting 
the Grand officers and members from neighboring Lodges. I 
was much pleased with the work of the Lodges and the spirit of 
the members. G. C. Betton and others extended to me many 
courtesies while with them. In 1875, an appeal was taken to 
me by one of the subordinate Lodges from the action of the G. 
L., and the decision of the G. C. upon the same, which I ruled 
upon, as I believed the laws required. From my decision no 
appeal has been taken. I deem it unnecessary to cumber your 
records with a statement of the case. I am pleased to learn that 
the Order in this jurisdiction is doing better than for several 
years previous. Here, as well as in every jurisdiction I have 
visited, I find that business depression has affected the progress 
of the Order. 

NEBRASKA. 

I spent a day in Omaha, before going to Colorado, meeting 
some of the G. L. officers and members. I learned from them 
that the Lodges there were composed of good men, and working 
well. The jurisdiction has made a gain of one Lodge and 20 
members since January 1st, 1875. The G. L. has no debt. The 
Lodge at North Platte, I should judge, was a model Lodge in 
enterprise and zeal. They are a young Lodge, but have built a 
large building, with a hall in it for their use. I am informed 
the building has been paid for. The Lodge is composed of the 
best men of the town, and are a great credit to the Order. I re- 
ceived an appeal from P. G. C. J. J. Monell, Jr., from the action 
of the G. L. on a decision made by him. I sustained the appeal, 
from which I learn no exceptions have been taken to the S. L. 
The appeal and accompanying documents are in my hands. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. Itf 

Cheyenne Lodge, No. 2, Wyoming Territory. 

I arrived at Cheyenne April 29th, and visited this Lodge in 
the evening. I witnessed work in the ranks which was well 
done. The members expressed a desire to be under the jurisdic- 
tion of the G. L. of Colorado (when instituted), and requested 
me, by a unanimous vote, to grant the request, believing it would 
be a great benefit and enable them to accomplish much more 
than to remain under the direct control of the S. L. All my D. 
S. C.'s appointed for this Lodge had moved away or gone to 
the Black Hills. Their absence embarrassed the Lodge very 
much. They asked that I give a decision at once, that they 
might be represented at the institution of the G. L. of Colorado, 
provided they would receive them. Believing it best for this 
Lodge, also for the G. L. of Colorado, I granted the request, and 
they were represented at the institution of that G. L. They 
were cordially received by that body. I am pleased to report 
that one of the Supreme Representatives from the G. L. was 
selected from this Lodge, who will be present at this session and 
give you all the information desired. 

COLORADO. 

Early on the morning of the 30th of April, 1876, I left Chey- 
enne for Denver. I had previously arranged to institute the G. 
L. of Colorado, May 2d. I met D. S. C. W. H. McNary and 
completed the arrangements for the meeting of the Lodges. May 
2d, at ten o'clock a. m., the P. C.'s of all the Lodges in Colorado, 
with those from Cheyenne Lodge, No. 2, assembled. After 
being obligated and instructed in the G. L. rank (their certifi- 
cates being duly passed upon as entitled to the rank), the follow- 
ing officers were elected and duly installed by me, viz. : 

P. G. C, L. W. Chase, of Central City. 

G. C, W. S. Marshall, of Denver. 

G. V. C, John Hallum, of Trinidad. 

P. C, Louis Seyler, of Georgetown. 

Q. K. of R. and S., R. F. Dunton, of Trinidad. 

G. M. of E., I. T. Graham, of Black Hawk. 



I48 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

G. M. at A., Chas. Whitcomb, of Denver. 

G. I. G., G. P. Lipoldt, of Denver. 

G. O. G., P. A. Fisher, of Denver. 

Sup. Rep. for one year, Judge F. A. Pope, of Georgetown. 

Sup. Rep. for two years, Judge T. A. Fisher, of Cheyenne 
Lodge, No. 2. 

I am pleased to welcome these honored and worthy Represen- 
tatives of this new Grand jurisdiction to seats in this S. Lodge. 
I gave them a dispensation, duly authenticated, under which 
they will work until they receive a charter from you. At the 
session it was voted that application for a charter be made at 
this session of the S. L. I trust you will grant their request. 
Sufficient money was raised to pay all expenses, so there should be 
no debt hereafter. Much credit is due D. S. C. W. H. McNary, 
for his zeal and earnest efforts to build up the Order in this juris- 
diction. He has richly earned the rank and honors which he is 
entitled to under your laws. I trust you will make honorable 
mention of his services and enter his name upon the roster of P. 
G. C.'s. I gave this G. L. full jurisdiction over Wyoming Ter- 
ritory, requesting them to give all Lodges instituted in that 
Territory numbers independent of the Lodges in Colorado. 
There were nine Lodges, including Cheyenne Lodge of W. T., 
composing this G. L. Some of these Lodges are small, but 
working regularly. I gave them instruction in the work and 
laws, aiding them as I could in perfecting their organization. I 
trust my official acts may be confirmed by you. 

Myrtle Lodge, No. 1, Salt Lake City, Utah. 

While so far West as Colorado, it was thought best I should 
visit the jurisdiction beyond, before returning. I arrived in Salt 
Lake City May 6th, in the evening, and went to the hall of 
Myrtle Lodge, where I found many of the gallant Knights as- 
sembled to receive me. The ranks were conferred upon a candi- 
date in a very creditable manner. Afterwards I gave them in- 
structions in the work, and encouraged them in sustaining the 
Lodge. In no place I have visited have I learned of so much to 
contend with as I found here — being surrounded by Mormons, 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 1 49 

who not only hate all Secret Orders not controlled by themselves, 
but all Gentiles, or such as do not belong to their church, as I 
am informed. Should a Mormon apply for membership, I am 
sure he would not be received, as it would be an endorsement of 
their polygamous practices, a position they have taken, which I 
trust you will approve. While in this city I met Henry Simons, 
who was made a Knight at sight, by S. C. Read, several years 
since. When this was done there was no Lodge in that vicinity 
to join, and, therefore, could not until a Card was given him by 
the officers of the S. L. Having shown me a certificate from 
Brother Read, proving his statement correct, I requested the S. 
K. of R. and S. to issue to him a Withdrawal Card (on the pay- 
ment of $2.00), to enable him to affiliate with Myrtle Lodge, 
and aid in its support, believing it an act of justice to Brother 
Simons, and a benefit to this Lodge. I hope you will confirm 
this action. I found D. S. C. Geo. F. Prescott a genial, earnest, 
and faithful Brother, contending with obstacles which would dis- 
courage others, but they do not disturb him. He is editor of 
the Tribune, and advocates our Order as worthy of the sup- 
port of all good people. He is a sentinel among those moun- 
tains, guarding its interests, and proclaiming its beneficent char- 
acter to the world. I believe you can well afford to confer upon 
him the rank of P. G. C, and I most heartily recommend it. 
I would also recommend that a certificate of such rank be sent 
to him, direct from this session, with fitting words of encourage- 
ment both to him and the members of this Lodge. 

NEVADA. 

I spent two days in Salt Lake City, and left for Nevada, the 
great " Silver State." I was met at Reno by Sup. Rep. Gilson, 
of Carson ; G. C. Powning, of Reno ; Sup. Rep. Goddard, of 
Virginia City, and others, on arrival of the overland train at 
midnight. The next morning I went to Virginia City, in charge 
of Brother Goddard, who was untiring and constant in his efforts 
to make my stay pleasant and profitable. I cannot speak in de- 
tail* as I would like, of the great kindness shown me, but suffice 
it to say, that more could not well have been done for my com- 
13* 



150 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

fort. I visited the Lodges, witnessed the conferring of the ranks, 
and gave all the instructions in my power. The work was well 
done. The Lodges here have been burnt out twice quite recently. 
Such a misfortune would cripple most Lodges, but the determina- 
tion and enterprise of these Lodges have conquered, and they are 
now vigorous and full of enthusiasm for the success of the Order. 
I spent an evening with the Lodges in Carson pleasantly, and I 
trust profitably to all. Brothers Gilson and Laughton were un- 
tiring in their efforts to make my stay among them agreeable. I 
can never forget the reception given me as your executive officer 
in this young and enthusiastic jurisdiction. 

CALIFORNIA. 

I was met at the State line by Sup. Reps. Penniman and Dann, 
and P. G. C. Mansur, who escorted me to their golden city. I 
spent a few hours in Sacramento with prominent brothers, who 
gave me a cordial welcome to that beautiful city. I had sup- 
posed that on my arrival in San Francisco I should be con- 
ducted quietly to the hotel, but was surprised on landing at the 
wharf to find 250 uniformed Knights, with music, under the 
command of G. C. McClure, drawn up in line to receive me. 
It was evening when I arrived, and the line of march was taken 
through the principal streets to their hall. During the evening 
the air was filled with rockets and fireworks of every description. 
The scene was grand. The building occupied by them as their 
hall, seemed to be a blaze of light. I know of no people on 
the face of the earth who are so capable of outdoing all others, 
and completely surprising a New England man, as Californians. 
Their hospitality is unstinted and unbounded, and unlike that 
of almost any other people. At the hall I was formally received, 
and made welcome in an address by G. C. D. M. McClure. 
None other but the Palace Hotel would satisfy them for my 
entertainment, where I was quartered during my stay in the city. 
Pardon me for referring to this reception, as I do it for their 
credit, and not my own pride. It is not often that the S. C. 
will visit the Pacific coast, and we can well afford to make hon- 
orable mention of our Order, and let our hearts glow with pride 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 151 

that we have within our ranks such a thoughtful, zealous, and 
enthusiastic membership on the western shore of this great con- 
tinent. I visited Myrtle Lodge on Tuesday evening; this is 
the home of Sup. Rep. Booth, who was with us at the session 
in Washington last year. I received a most cordial welcome. 
Friday evening I met all the Lodges in convention, when a more 
general interview was had with the members of this section. 
The work was fully exemplified, and the laws discussed ; many 
able speeches were made by officers and members, asserting their 
loyalty to the S. L., and their fidelity to the principles of the 
Order. Great credit is due Sup. Rep. Booth and P. G. C. 
Mansur for the present prosperous condition of the Order in this 
State. I am under great obligations to them for personal favors 
and attentions. After remaining here four days, I reluctantly 
parted with the many friends and acquaintances here made, and 
started on the long journey homeward. In passing, perhaps I 
ought to say that some suggestions were made in regard to legis- 
lation by the S. L. in behalf of this jurisdiction. Undoubtedly 
the matter will be brought before you by the able Representa- 
tives of California; if so, I trust the subject will receive your 
careful consideration. There has been a gain of four Lodges 
and 388 members since January 1st, 1875. 

I cannot describe to you the importance to the Order of these 
official visits. I could wish that it might have fallen to the lot 
of some one more capable than myself to benefit the Order uni- 
versally — even one blessed with the gift of eloquence in giving 
utterance to his thoughts. But I have served you and the Order 
to the best of my ability. In many places I found the work 
imperfect, and our laws but imperfectly understood. These I 
have endeavored to correct. Lack of interest has prevailed in 
some places, and I have tried to stimulate and encourage the 
lukewarm to earnest and constant efforts. Business and finan- 
cial depression are the causes which have operated to impede 
ouf progress and decimate our ranks. This is beyond my con- 
trol to remedy, as you well know. I could only encourage all, 
by my presence and words, to strive with united efforts to bridge 
over this unfortunate crisis, and hope for a brighter future. This 



152 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

expenditure of time and money has, I firmly believe, proved a 
profitable investment. It has enabled me to learn the condition 
and wants of the Order generally, and provide for them in some 
good degree. It was assuming a great responsibility, which was 
done only in the interest and for the welfare of the Order, as it 
appeared to me and my co -laborer, Brother Dowdall. We con- 
fidently believe the course pursued by us, under the circum- 
stances, will receive your hearty approval. 

OREGON. 

I have not been able to obtain a definite statement of the 
work done by the four Lodges in this jurisdiction. D. S. C. 
Wilcox informs me they are in a healthy condition, and working 
regularly. Being so far from any jurisdiction represented in the 
S. L., they do not receive the information which they otherwise 
would. Two Lodges have been instituted since the last session. 
This indicates an increasing interest in our Order in this north- 
western jurisdiction. 

WASHINGTON TERRITORY. 

I have been able to obtain but little information relative to 
the Lodge at Walla Walla. I sent out blanks to every jurisdic- 
tion, asking for information showing the standing of the Lodges 
compared with the previous year. I have received no response 
from my Deputy for this Territory, and cannot furnish you with 
the information which I desired. From all I can learn, this 
Lodge is working regularly, and not only maintaining an exist- 
ence, but adding to its membership. Should a G. L. be insti- 
tuted in Oregon, I think it would be best to give it jurisdiction 
over this Lodge. 

DAKOTA TERRITORY. 

As before stated, I commissioned Sup. Rep. J. W. Carter D. 
S. C. for this territory. January 21st, 1876, I received an appli- 
cation from him for a Lodge at Yankton, which I approved, and 
also sent him a Dispensation for the Lodge. I heard nothing 
further from him until July 14th. At this date he wrote me 
from Canton, D. T., saying he instituted the Lodge about 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 1 53 

February 20th, 1876, with 16 members. Several of the members 
had gone to the Black Hills, he informed me, and their depart- 
ure had weakened the Lodge considerably. This is new ter- 
ritory for our Order, and I earnestly hope this Lodge may be 
sustained. With proper effort on the part of the D. S. C, I am 
confident it will be eminently successful. 

NEW BRUNSWICK, DOMINION OF CANADA. 

January 1st, 1875, there were but two Lodges and 100 mem- 
bers reported in this jurisdiction. Two Lodges have been insti- 
tuted during the past year, making four Lodges and 179 members 
at the present time. Dr. Thomas Walker, former D. S. C, has 
been efficient and faithful in caring for the interests of the Or- 
der. I regretted very much his resignation, being anxious he 
should serve until a G. L. was formed. The present D. S. C, 
J. R. Armstrong, of St. John, is prompt in answering all my 
letters, and I predict prosperity during his administration. 

VERMONT. 

This is a beautiful State in many respects, and there are many 
good people in it ; but it is known as a difficult field for secret 
societies. All secret organizations have had a slow growth. It 
has been so with the Knights of Pythias. There have been four 
Lodges instituted, and for a time they were successfully working. 
At present but two of these are active. One is dead ; another is 
dormant. I have tried to arouse some enthusiasm in the hearts 
of the members in this jurisdiction, but with little success. I 
believe the time will come when this will be a prosperous 
jurisdiction. 

HAWAIIAN ISLANDS. 

Oahu Lodge, of Honolulu, is, so far as I can learn, sustaining 
its former reputation for wise and judicious management. I do 
not learn that large accessions have been made to its member- 
ship, but there is a steady growth. They are still anxious the 
S. L. shall grant the prayer of their petition as presented at last 
session. With this they feel confident of large accessions from 
the best people in that community. I should be pleased to wel- 






154 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

come D. S. C. Dayton to the sessions of the S. L., and I hope 

at some future time we shall have this pleasure. While under 

his judicious management, this Lodge will maintain a healthy 

existence. 

FLORIDA. 

J. E. Elliott, my former D. S. C, has served as such until 
recently. I have left the interests of the Lodge in Jacksonville 
mostly with S. V. C. Woodruff, who instituted it. 1 am in- 
formed they have been burned out, losing all their property, 
including working material, books, etc. They have but few 
members and no funds ; but they inform me that as soon as the 
hot season is past, they will reorganize and support the Lodge. 
On account of their misfortunes, I have proposed to loan them 
paraphernalia for working from Charleston, S. C, as some be- 
longing to Lodges now defunct are stored there. It is impor- 
tant this Lodge should be preserved, as many of our members 
who are invalids, needing care, often reside there during the 
winter. I am not sure but what it would be wise to place this 
Lodge under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Georgia, 
provided both parties would consent. 

ONTARIO. 

I have made two attempts to visit the sessions of the G. L. of 
Ontario, but have failed, because of other duties requiring my 
time and attention. I have been much interested in the success 
of the Order in the Dominion of Canada. The Grand Lodge 
had its trials and debt ; but by wise management the debt has 
been paid, and the obstacles impeding their progress have been 
overcome. January ist, 1875, tne y reported eight Lodges. 
They had, July ist, 1876, twelve Lodges. During the year they 
made a small gain in membership. Great credit is due Sup. 
Rep. Geo. H. Mitchell, for his fidelity to the interests of the 
Order in this jurisdiction. 

MARYLAND. 

I have read the report of this jurisdiction with great interest. 
I find much to congratulate them for, and somewhat to regret. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. I5S 

I can but congratulate them on the present financial condition of 
their Grand Lodge. Instead of a debt, they report $4000 in 
their exchequer. This is a noble record of their wisdom and 
prudence in the management of their financial affairs, and a 
worthy example for all others to follow. I am not aware of the 
Subordinate Lodges being heavily taxed, as in some other juris- 
dictions; but there has been a strict and faithful account ren- 
dered of all moneys received and expended, and economy in all 
their expenditures. It shows what honest and faithful officers 
may accomplish. They report as having paid for sick and 
funeral benefits the past year, $20,102.82. This seems a very 
large sum for 91 Lodges to pay in one year. I can but infer 
they have generously cared for the sick and widowed families in 
their Lodges. The amount of good which this munificent sum 
has accomplished cannot be told. I regret there has been a loss 
in membership in this jurisdiction of 227 the past year. This is 
accounted for by the G. K. of R. and S., by the amount of fee 
for the ranks being fixed by the S. L. too high for many of their 
Lodges. They ask that the minimum fee be reduced to $6, and 
fully believe that with this change they would make a large in- 
crease in Lodges and members. I commend this subject to your 
careful consideration. 

OHIO. 

This jurisdiction has made rapid progress the past few years. 
They never have been afflicted with financial irregularities in the 
management of their business, and never will be, so long as the 
present G. K. of R. and S., Joseph Dowdall, is retained in that 
office. And the same may be said of the S. L. and the manage- 
ment of its financial affairs. Their Grand officers are vigilant 
and watchful. The result is an increase of 16 Lodges and 929 
in membership for the year 1875. Their 94 Subordinate Lodges 
have paid $9,687.28 for sick and funeral benefits. This record 
is # the best commendation which can be given this jurisdiction, 
having made the largest increase in Lodges and membership of 
any jurisdiction. 



156 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

INDIANA. 

The soil and climate of these interior States seem to be well 
adapted to the growth of Pythian Knighthood. Indiana has 
made an increase of 10 Lodges and 246 in membership during 
the year 1875. The G. L. is free from debt, and the Order is 
vigorous and prosperous. All seem cheerfully to acquiesce in the 
laws and legislation of the S. L. No time seems to be expended 
in controversy over what the S. Lodge does, or fails to do. The 
members manifest confidence in those who make and execute our 
laws, believing they are honest in their intentions. Much time 
is wasted in some sections berating everybody but themselves, 
and stirring up discord and discontent among the members. In 
this and many other jurisdictions, no time is spent in this un- 
profitable business. They attend to the wants of the jurisdiction 
and are prospered. 

MICHIGAN 

Has far exceeded my expectation during the past year. I had 
been informed of the embarrassed condition of the G. L. , owing 
to the mismanagement of some previous Grand officers, and I 
feared it might prevent any increase in Lodges or members. 
They unexpectedly find a debt of $400. But the present honest 
and efficient Grand officers are bringing these matters to a set- 
tlement as fast as possible. They have instituted 9 new Lodges, 
and made a net gain of 7 Lodges. They have made a gain in 
membership of 287, which is an increase of nearly 40 per cent, 
in 1875. This jurisdiction was not represented at the last ses- 
sion of the S. Lodge, but I trust it will be at this. 

WEST VIRGINIA. 

I have never visited this jurisdiction, as I intended, but have 
felt a great interest in its welfare. The noble men who have 
represented them in the S. L. have given me assurance of wise 
and prudent management in all their business affairs. The 
Grand Lodge is free from debt. Not only this jurisdiction, but 
the S. L. has been called to mourn the loss by sudden death of 
S. I. G. Chas. H. Hodgson. He had won the esteem of all in 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 1 57 

the S. L. by his strict attention to duty, and his courteous man- 
ner. He was a faithful officer, a zealous Knight, and a friend to 
all. One has been taken from the ranks of your S. L. officers 
for the first time during the history of the S. L., so far as I am 
able to learn. I shall not attempt to speak of our Brother's 
death as his memory deserves, but shall leave for the Represen- 
tatives from this jurisdiction, who knew him best, to enter upon 
your journal a suitable tribute to the memory of our departed 
Brother and Officer of this S. L. 

CONNECTICUT 

Is one of the oldest jurisdictions and has passed through the 
fiery trial of past years. The G. L. has emerged from all of its 
financial embarrassments, and now is free from debt. I regret 
to learn that no new Lodges have been instituted, and that four 
Lodges have surrendered their charters the past year ; also a loss 
in membership of 120. Various reasons are assigned by mem- 
bers of this jurisdiction for this retrogression. I shall leave this 
with our S. R., Oliver Woodhouse, and present G. C. of this 
jurisdiction, to explain it to you. During the past year, Supreme 
Representative J. F. Comstock has died. He entered the S. L. 
in 1869, was elected Supreme Guide in 1870, serving with fidel- 
ity. He was a Representative at the time of his death. He was 
one of the pioneers of the Order in Connecticut. He was genial 
and kind to all, courteous in manner, a worthy and respected 
citizen. We miss him from our councils at this session. I shall 
leave further mention of the death and virtues of our departed 
Brother to the able Representatives of this jurisdiction. 

MAINE. 

The Order of Knights of Pythias in this State is composed of 
the best men in the State. Great care has been exercised in 
receiving new members. This has saved them a vast amount of 
trouble. I feel more than ordinary interest in this jurisdiction, 
as I instituted the first two Lodges in the State ; also the Grand 
Lodge. Their present G. C, Judge J. H. Drummond, is a 
noble representative of the Order in Maine, and I hope at the 
14 



158 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

next session of the S. L. to meet him as a Representative on this 
floor. 

MASSACHUSETTS. 

The people of this State are largely dependent upon manufac- 
turing, which branch of business has been greatly depressed for 
two years past. Large numbers of the members of the Order 
have been out of employment, and others working on reduced 
pay. Many have been unable to pay their dues, and but few 
comparatively have been received by initiation. The loss has 
been much less than I feared it would be. The loss in member- 
ship has been but 9, and one Lodge less reported than January 
1 st, 1875. But for the efficient efforts of the Grand officers, 
there would have been a much greater loss. I feel that great 
credit is due G. K. of R. and S. F. A. Chase for his efforts to 
preserve the Order in this jurisdiction. 

The S» L. is again called upon to mourn the loss, by death, 
of another of its members. Sup. Rep. J. S. Farrington, has 
passed away from earth. Although in feeble health while at the 
session of the S. L. , he was attentive to duty and faithful to the 
welfare of the Order. I shall leave to the Representatives the 
preparation of a suitable tribute to his memory. 

NEW HAMPSHIRE. 

Last, but not least, of the jurisdictions of our Order, I bring 
this, my own State, to your notice. It is a small State, with but 
few cities or large towns, compared with other States. Men are 
reared here who go forth to people every section of our country. 
New Hampshire has sent out many able men who have honored 
the State of their nativity. In the larger places, the people are 
mostly dependent upon the manufacturing interests. Like other 
States, this has suffered greatly, and the progress of our Order 
has been greatly hindered. There has been a small gain in 
membership during the past year. A most hopeful future is 
before it. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 1 59 

CENTENNIAL PARADE. 

I have felt a great interest in the parade of the Order, as con- 
templated at the last session. A Committee was appointed from 
the S. L. to assist in making it successful, who have been dili- 
gent in the performance of their duties. Inasmuch as no money 
was appropriated by the S. L. for this purpose, it was very evi- 
dent that the general management must devolve upon the G. L. 
of Pennsylvania, and they become responsible for all money ex- 
pended. This work was early entered upon by them in a sys- 
tematic manner. Committees were appointed, money raised 
among the Lodges of this jurisdiction, plans arranged and circu- 
lars issued to every Grand Jurisdiction, inviting all members of 
the Order to participate in the parade. A great amount of time 
and labor has been spent in the arrangement of the plans, and 
successfully executing them. Great credit is due the G. L. offi- 
cers, committees, and members of this jurisdiction for their 
earnest efforts to make it a success. I trust you will recognize 
the labors of those having charge of this work by appropriate 
resolutions. 

It is a matter of sincere regret that the financial condition of 
the country will prevent that full and large representation which 
we hoped, and will no doubt deter many from coming who reside 
at a distance, and who otherwise would cheerfully have con- 
tributed by their presence, in making the parade a feature of the 
centennial year. 

Too much importance cannot, I think, be given to the effect 
which this public display of the " Knights of Pythias " may have 
upon the people, who will assemble to witness our procession. 
The spectators will not be confined to residents of Pennsylvania, 
but from every State, nation, and country of the civilized world, 
will come those who will form their estimate and opinion of our 
organization from what they see on that occasion. I have no 
doubt of its success, and believe that we will fully demonstrate 
our position among the fraternities of the world, that ours is an 
Order of Men, and that our influence is and will be exerted for 
the welfare, the advancement, and the moral elevation of society 
at large. 



l6o THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 



INDEPENDENCE HALL. 



I cannot close this report without an acknowledgment of my 
profound gratitude to the City Council of Philadelphia for open- 
ing to the use of this Supreme Lodge, during its session, an 
edifice so glorious in historic associations. We enter this con- 
secrated place with emotions too deep for utterance. The 
hallowed spirit of the noble signers of the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence seems to pervade the air we breathe. These venerable 
walls once resounded with the voices of men whose fame shall 
never perish, and whose patriotism finds no parallel in the 
shadowy past. As we remember that Hancock, Jefferson, Ad- 
ams, Lee, Franklin, and Carroll, and their honored compeers, sat 
in these halls and carved out the framework of a mighty Re- 
public, let us bow in fervent gratitude to the Great God for all 
the mercies vouchsafed to our beloved country. And may the 
motives which actuate us this day be as pure, and our acts as 
unselfish, as were those of our fathers one hundred years ago. 
I would recommend the appointment of a Committee to draft 
suitable resolutions expressive of our thanks to the City Council 
for granting the use of this hall, and to the citizens and mem- 
bers of the Order for the numerous courtesies received. 

CONCLUSION. 

Representatives: — To you is committed the profound re- 
sponsibility of legislating for the best interests of our Order. 
No word of admonition from me is needed to insure your full 
appreciation of the delicate trust ; no suggestions that I might 
make to inspire you with a determination to measure up to the 
requirement of your distinguished positions, as judges in a court 
whose laws are written in brotherly kindness. In the past you 
have given me your hearty and generous support, in the difficult 
task which you assigned me, when you placed me in this hon- 
ored and responsible position. I have endeavored to serve you 
faithfully. If in any instance I have erred, be assured it was 
while believing I was acting for the best interests of the Order, 
and with the purest motives. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. l6l 

The record of the last two eventful years of my official term 
is closed, and I recommit to your hands the emblem of authority 
with which you invested me. In doing this, I desire to return 
my thanks for the distinguished honor you have conferred 
upon me, for your great kindness and indulgence, and for the 
many personal favors received from the members of the Order 

universal. 

S. S. DAVIS, 
Nashua, N. H., August i, 1876. Supreme Chancellor. 






Independence Hall, *» 
Philadelphia, Pa., Thursday, August 24, 1876. J 

The Supreme Lodge of the World, Knights of Pythias, assem- 
bled on the 24th day of August, 1876, and the following, among 
other proceedings, were had, to wit : 

Past Supreme Chancellor Read, from the Special Committee 
heretofore appointed, made the following report, which was 
adopted : 

Your committee to whom was referred the brief History as to the Founder 
of the Order of Knights of Pythias, beg leave to report that they have had 
before them Bro. J. PI. Rathbone, and also J. T. K. Plant, who has been 
represented as one of the Founders of the Order ; and upon the statement of 
Past Supreme Chancellor J. T. K. Plant, your committee are fully satisfied 
Past Supreme Chancellor Justus H. Rathbone is entitled to the honor of being 
the Founder of the Order of Knights of Pythias ; and offer the following reso- 
lution : 

Resolved, That the documents presented to the Supreme Lodge purporting 
to be a brief origin of the Order, and Justus H. Rathbone as Sole Founder, 
be fully recognized as such by this Supreme Lodge of the World. 

Samuel Read, 
G. W. Lindsay, 
Hugh Latham. 

The Supreme Chancellor presented the following communica- 
tion from Past Supreme Chancellor J. H. Rathbone, the Founder 
of the Order : 

14* L 



1 62 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

War Department, Washington City, August 25, 1876. 
S. S. Dayis, Esq., Supreme Chancellor, Order of Knights of Pythias. 

Dear Sir and Brother : — I have expressed to you this day the Bible 
which I informally presented to the Supreme Lodge yesterday. From the 
associations that cling around this little book, I felt that it should become the 
property, and be placed among the archives, of the Supreme Lodge. In or- 
der that the volume may be preserved from decay, it will be well to have a 
suitable casket prepared for its reception ; and I will be obliged, if you will 
have one manufactured, and draw on me for expense thereof, it being my 
desire to make the gift complete. I made several attempts to see you at 
Philadelphia, but was unsuccessful. I was glad to learn, however, that your 
illness is considered but temporary, and the prospects of an early convales- 
cence are extremely favorable. I assure you my heartfelt sympathies are 
coupled with earnest hopes for your rapid and complete recovery. Please 
accept my congratulations upon your re-election to an office you have so ably 
and faithfully filled during the past two years. 

Very truly and fraternally yours, J. H. Rathbone, 

Founder of the Order of Knights of Pythias. 

On motion of Representative Oyler, of Indiana, the gift 
named in the communication was accepted. 

Representative Halsey, of Wisconsin, from the Special Com- 
mittee on the subject, made the following report, which was 
adopted : 

Your committee, to whom was referred so much of the Supreme Chancel- 
lor's report recommending that proper resolutions expressive of thanks be 
drafted under title of " Independence Hall," would most respectfully submit 
the following : 

Whereas, The citizens of Philadelphia, through their officers, the Hon. 
Mayor Wm. S. Stokley, and City Councils, have most generously accorded to 
the Supreme Lodge, Knights of Pythias of the World, for its annual session, 
the use of Independence Hall — an edifice of glorious historic associations, a 
place sacred in the hearts of every true American, a shrine of Liberty dedi- 
cated amid the hopes and fears, and consecrated and firmly cemented with 
the blood of our fathers, where we are permitted with gratitude to offer up 
pure orisons to that Supreme Chancellor of the Universe who has guided and 
protected our nation amidst perils during its first century of existence ; and 

Whereas, The members of the Supreme Lodge and visiting brothers have 
been most kindly received and courteously entertained by the Grand Lodge 
Knights of Pythias of the State of Pennsylvania, and resident brothers, not 
only with that hospitality we anticipated in the city of Brotherly Love, but 
with more than marked Knightly courtesies ; therefore, be it 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 1 63 

Resolved, That we shall ever cherish the memory of this beautiful city in 
our hearts, and hold in grateful recollection the uniform kindness and atten- 
tion extended to us by its citizens and officials. 

Resolved, That the thanks of the Supreme Lodge are hereby extended to 
the Grand Lodge Knights of Pythias of Pennsylvania, and to the Knights 
residing in this city, for their kind and Knightly attentions during our pro- 
longed and pleasant visit among them. 

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be properly engrossed and pre- 
sented to his Honor the Mayor, and the City Councils of the city of Phila- 
delphia, and to the Grand Chancellor and Brothers of the Jurisdiction of 
Pennsylvania ; and also that they be published in the city papers and spread 
upon our Journal. Lawrence W. Halsey, 

Thomas Penniman, 
John H. Meech. 



Installation of Officers of Supreme Lodge of the World 

At Independence Hall, August 26, 1876. 
On motion of Representative McMullen, of Delaware, it was 

Resolved, That we do now proceed to the Installation of Officers for the 
ensuing Term. 

The Supreme Chancellor requested Past Supreme Chancellor 
Samuel Read to act as the Installing Officer. 

Past Supreme Chancellor Read then requested Supreme Mas- 
ter-at-Arms Latham to present the Officers elect for installation, 
as follows : 

Supreme Chancellor — S. S. Davis, of New Hampshire. 
Supreme Vice Chancellor — D. B. Woodruff, of Georgia. 
Supreme Prelate — Charles D. Lucas, of Missouri. 
Supreme Master of Exchequer — John B. Stumph, of Indiana. 
Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal — Joseph Dowdall, of Ohio. 
Supreme Master-at-Arms — A. Ewing, of Texas. 
Supreme Inner Guard — W. H. Moyston, of Tennessee. 
Supreme Outer Guard — John W. Thompson, of District of 
Columbia. 

At the conclusion of the ceremonies of Installation, Past Su- 
preme Chancellor Read made the following remarks : 



164 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Supreme Officers and Representatives : — You will, I know, "bear with 
me in making a few remarks at the close of this pleasant and harmonious 
session of five days. I declare to you that my feelings, at this moment, al- 
most overcome me. Instantly, upon request of Supreme Chancellor Davis 
for me to install the officers, my mind grasped the interesting fact that, upon 
the organization of this Supreme body, August II, 1868, and your humble 
servant was, unsolicited, elected your first Supreme Chancellor, there were 
but five Grand Lodges, with a few thousand members ; now there are thirty- 
four Grand Lodges, with over one hundred thousand members in the Order. 
I served you faithfully and honestly for nearly four years. At this moment, 
looking over this most respectable and intelligent Supreme body, represent- 
ing the entire United States of America, I again say my heart is filled with 
gratitude to a kind Providence that He has permitted me to witness and 
participate in these interesting and solemn exercises. 

This is the Centennial of our Nation — America's year of Jubilee. This be- 
nevolent Order of Knights of Pythias, in its mission of love to mankind, if we 
are faithful to our duties and obligations, will exist and flourish for centuries. 

It is a solemn thought that, at the close of the present century, all who 
are now present shall have passed away, and, I trust, be gathered in the 
Supreme Lodge above, to go out no more forever. I therefore commend 
you to the holy keeping and protection of our Heavenly Father. May your 
children's children continue this Order while sickness, sorrow, and affliction 
shall exist, and the widow and orphan want assistance and protection. 

We do declare the officers of this Supreme Lodge, Knights of Pythias of 
the World, duly and regularly installed. The Supreme Master-at-Arms will 
now conduct the officers to their respective stations and places. 

Representative Cotter, of Kentucky, offered the following reso- 
lution, which was unanimously adopted : 

Resolved, That a vote of thanks be tendered Past Supreme Chancellor 
Samuel Read for the eloquent manner in which the Installation Ceremony 
has been by him performed. 

The Supreme Chancellor then arose in his place and addressed 
the Supreme Lodge as follows : 

Representatives : — No words of mine can express to you my apprecia- 
tion of the honor you have conferred upon me by re-electing me to this hon- 
orable position in this Supreme body. You all know it was unsought by me, 
as you had, by your action two years ago, conferred upon me all the honors 
in your power to bestow upon any one. I have hesitated in accepting the 
office for another term, for many reasons, which I need not state here. Al- 
low me to say that, believing that, by your votes, you have deemed it for the 
best interests of the Order that I should serve you for another term, should 
my life be spared, I accept it. The confidence and support given me by you 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 1 65 

and the members of the Order universally, during the past two years of labor 
and anxiety on my part, have given me strength in the past, and great faith 
and hope for a bright and prosperous future. Not only this, but my heart 
responds in grateful emotions, to you and the entire membership, for the great 
kindness shown me personally wherever I have been. I trust you will 
accept this feeble expression of gratitude on my part, and that you will carry 
to the brothers of your respective Jurisdictions my great desire for the pros- 
perity of our Order, and the happiness of all the members. I earnestly so- 
licit your confidence and support in the future, and trust, as you return to 
your homes, you will seek to inspire new confidence, and zeal to labor for our 
Order, in all your Lodges and members. Again I pledge to you my best 
efforts in strengthening and building up our Order for the ensuing term. 



From. " The Philadelphia Press," August 23d, 1876. 

The Centennial Demonstration of the Knights of 
Pythias. 

A SUPERB CENTENNIAL DISPLAY MADE BY THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS — 
THOUSANDS OF KNIGHTS IN PROCESSION — GALLANT KNIGHTS CLAD IN 
THE PANOPLY OF WAR — A HISTORY OF THE ORGANIZATION FROM ITS 
BEGINNING UNTIL THE PRESENT DAY — SCENES AND INCIDENTS ALONG 
THE ROUTE — ENTHUSIASM OF THE SPECTATORS — BRILLIANT RECEP- 
TION AT THE ACADEMY OF MUSIC. 

PHILADELPHIA has this year become " the city of pageants." During 
the Centennial Exhibition it has been visited by hundreds of thousands 
of strangers, and many of these visitors have contributed to the superb 
displays of organized bodies which have lent to the principal streets the ani- 
mated appearance which has been of late so characteristic of the Quaker 
City. The magnificent parades of the Knights Templar, the T. A. B. Asso- 
ciations, the American Mechanics, and, above all, that of the National 
Guard of Pennsylvania, have within the past few months been witnessed by 
delighted thousands of the citizens of Philadelphia. But it is safe to say that 
*io parade of which this great city has been the scene evoked more enthusiasm 
than did that of the Knights of Pythias yesterday. From an early hour the 
streets were filled with crowds of spectators. It was particularly noticeable 
that among them here and there were scattered hundreds of strangers to 
Philadelphia, and while they eulogized the superb appearance of the streets 
of the city, they at the same time were full of mutual congratulations at the 
anticipation of the magnificent parade which they had assembled to witness. 



1 66 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

The Knights of Pythias have conferred a favor on the people of Philadelphia 
and the thousands of visitors who are now the guests of the city. They have 
given a display which not only reflects credit on the Order, but which also 
afforded a pageant of which Philadelphia, recurring to the great events of her 
Centennial, may well be proud. There were evidences of patriotism, order, 
and respectability in the display. No member could be called in question as 
to his appearance and demeanor. All presented an appearance at once indic- 
ative of military discipline and civilian gentlemanliness. Nothing had been 
left undone to make the parade a success. Most of the visitors were accom- 
panied by their wives, daughters, or sisters, and they, in company with their 
friends, were clustered at the several favorable standpoints. They naturally 
had but one opinion, and visitors had the same idea — that the Knights of 
Pythias parade was one of the most magnificent ever witnessed in Phila- 
delphia. 

The mysterious and honorable Order of the Knights of Pythias is the 
youngest of the secret orders in this country which have risen to great fame 
and name. Unlike many other brotherhoods, it is purely American in its 
origin, having birth most fittingly at the capital of the nation, Washington, D. 
C, on the 19th of February, 1864. The Order is now in the thirteenth year 
of the Pythian period, which will expire in February next. 

It was founded at a time when the nation was shaken from centre to cir- 
cumference by a terrible war, gigantic in proportions and demoniacal in 
spirit. Indeed, no benevolent institution in this country had so much to con- 
tend with from its foundation as this Order. 

The principles which are the foundation-stone of the Order are Friendship, 
Charity, and Benevolence. Not a mere cold and worldly friendship, but the 
inculcation of a true, warm-hearted, genuine feeling of love between man 
and man, like unto that displayed by Pythias when his nearest friend, Da- 
mon, was sentenced to death by Dionysius, the tyrant of Syracuse. The story 
is familiar to most minds of how Damon desired to take a last leave of his 
family the day before he was to be beheaded, and the condition on which 
Dionysius allowed it being that the prisoner was to supply some one in his 
place, in case he should not return at the time appointed for the execution. 
Pythias was led to the scaffold ere Damon returned, and was willing to suffer 
the pangs of death to let his friend live, but Damon came upon the scene, 
released his friend, and stood ready to have the order fulfilled. 

This scene of constancy so moved on the feelings of the tyrant that he 
instantly ordered the release of Damon, and descending from his throne, and 
moving to the scaffold he exclaimed, " Live, live, ye incomparable pair! Ye 
have borne unquestionable testimony to the existence of virtue ! Live happy ! 
Live renowned ! And oh ! form me by your precepts, as you have invited 
me by your example, to be worthy of the participation of so sacred a friend- 
ship." 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 1 67 

The next great features of the Order are its works of Charity and Benevo- 
lence in relieving the needs of the sick and ailing Knight, and in succoring 
and sheltering his family in times of distress and affliction, and assisting them 
after the decease of a brother. So well and honorable have the transactions 
of this nature been that the Order has obtained great renown, and now num- 
bers among its members many of the most prominent men of the country. 
The good deeds performed for charity's sake are done after the manner of the 
Biblical injunction, " Not to let the right hand know what the left has been 
doing." And thus the silent work has progressed for these twelve years, and 
but simple records kept to show the good that has been done. 

The parent and originator of the Order of Knights of Pythias is J. H. 
Rathbone, of Washington, D. C, a gentleman of large influence and well and 
favorably known in the national capital, and at that time a clerk in one of 
the departments. At Temperance Hall, in that city, on the 19th of February, 
1864, there assembled, by agreement and invitation of the organizer, some 
dozen gentlemen, who, after conversing for awhile upon the proposed move- 
ment, organized by placing Mr. J. T. K. Plant in the chair, and D. L. 
Burnett acted as secretary. The object of the meeting was stated to be the 
formation of a secret society, having for its ultimate object, Friendship, Be- 
nevolence, and Charity. All present then subscribed to an oath, afterwards 
laid down in the initiatory, and it was agreed that the Order should be styled 
the Knights of Pythias. An election for officers was held, which resulted as 
follows: Worthy Chancellor, J. H. Rathbone; Vice Chancellor, Joel R. 
Woodruff; Venerable Patriarch, J. T. K. Plant; Worthy Scribe, D. L. 
Burnett; Banker, A. Vanderveer ; Assistant Banker, R. A. Champion; Assist- 
ant Scribe, George R. Covert. The Worthy Chancellor then appointed 
Brother M. H. Vanderveer to be Worthy Guide, and A. Roderique, Inside 
Steward, and Brothers Kimball, Roberts, D. C. and W. Ff. Burnett to be 
Choral Knights. Thus was Washington Lodge, No. I, the pioneer of the 
Order, instituted and officered, and right heartily did its members work for 
future success, and on the 8th of April following, the Grand Lodge of the 
District of Columbia was organized, with Joseph T. K. Plant as Grand Chan- 
cellor. 

Two weeks after the organization of the Grand Lodge, at a meeting of 
Washington Lodge, Brother J. Ff. Rathbone resigned his office and member- 
ship in the Order, at the time occupying the position of Venerable Patriarch 
»of the Order, he having been the first Chancellor of Washington Lodge. 

With the great world before them as a field of labor in behalf of the prin- 
ciples of the Order, the officers of the Grand Lodge began to look around, 
with a view of establishing other Subordinate Lodges in the District, and suc- 
ceeded in forming one in the Navy-Yard. This was chartered Franklin 
Lodge, No. 2, and was instituted with thirteen charter members, on the 12th 
of April, 1864. The history of this Lodge is of decided interest, as it after- 



1 68 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

wards proved the salvation of the Order, and was the rock on which the large 
number of Lodges in the world had their foundation, and from which they 
emanated in fact. From its very organization the members took a lively 
interest in its welfare, and determined that it should become the " Excelsior 
Lodge" of the Order. For nearly eight months it struggled along, the only 
Lodge of the Order in the country. The members of Washington Lodge had 
become dispirited at the rebuffs and sarcasms heaped upon them, and that 
Lodge virtually died soon after. Thus the Order received a blow which 
only the sturdy and brave handful of Knights in Franklin Lodge could over- 
come. Other Lodges were organized, but they struggled along and finally 
passed out of notice. 

On the 1st of February, 1865, Brother John H. King, who was in the 
United States naval service, organized Alexandria Lodge, No. 1, of Virginia, 
it being the pioneer Lodge of that State. The prospects of the Order at 
this time were very gloomy. The financial condition of the Lodges was 
weak. As the fifth and sixth centuries came near witnessing the extinction 
of the Christian religion, so did the spring and summer of 1865 see the light 
of the Order of Knights of Pythias dwindle to a mere glimmer, which was 
only seen by those who knew of its existence. The Alexandria Lodge ceased 
to hold its meetings in July, and when the Grand Lodge met but two Lodges 
were represented — Washington and Franklin. The Grand Lodge ceased to 
exist after its meeting of the 19th of July, it being deemed impracticable to 
continue its sessions with but one Subordinate Lodge. The last meeting of 
Washington Lodge was held in July, at which time it petitioned to Franklin 
Lodge to receive all its members who were in good standing. 

The climax was witnessed in August, 1865, when Franklin Lodge was the 
only Lodge of the Order in existence, with some sixty members, being a vague 
comparison with the magnificent numerical strength of the Order to-day,' 
when its rolls are inscribed with the names of at least 100,000 members in 
good standing, and the noble principles and work of the Order have been 
extended to every State of the Union, and even to remote quarters of the 
globe. 

A new era in the organization was begun at the meeting of Franklin 
Lodge on April 2, 1866, when a committee, consisting of five members, whose 
names will ever be remembered with the kindliest feelings, was appointed to 
canvass Washington City, for the purpose of establishing a new Lodge. This 
committee consisted of Brothers Hamilton, Lawson, Cook, King, and Schlief, 
and they went to work with such a vim that soon enough names had been 
secured to warrant the instituting of Mount Vernon Lodge, No. 5. 

The members now felt the necessity for a more perfect Ritual, and a com- 
mittee was appointed to revise the one then in use. They completed their 
labors, and on the 14th of May reported a new one, which was adopted, and 
continued in use until after the meeting of the Grand Lodge, in 1872, when 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 1 69 

the one now in use in Subordinate Lodges was adopted by the Supreme 
Lodge and sent to the different Jurisdictions. 

The first of May, 1866, two years having passed since the foundation of the 
Order, found a select few engaged in the task of reorganizing the Grand Lodge 
and revising the work, for much was to be done in order to give the Order 
the elements of perpetual life. 

What may be properly termed the First Annual Session of the Grand 
Lodge was held on the 9th of July, 1866, when the following quarterly 
reports, presented by Lodges Nos. 2 and 5, will give the exact strength of 
the Order up to that date : 

No. 2. — Membership, 43. 

General Fund $112 16 

Widows' and Orphans' Fund 8 14 

Percentage 7 13 

No. 5. — Membership, 96. 

General Fund $222 54 

Widows' and Orphans' Fund 32 26 

Percentage 22 25 

From this date the retiring Grand Chancellor succeeded to the Chair of 
the Venerable Grand Patriarch, which was made the highest office in the 
Grand Lodge, it having heretofore been ranked as the third. 

A special session was held on the 12th, at which the printed rituals were 
placed in the hands of a committee for distribution, with instructions to de- 
stroy, by fire, all copies of the written rituals which had been used up to this 
time. Each Lodge received five of the new rituals free of expense. 

The meeting of the 8th of July was an important one, when the Working 
Regalia of Subordinate Lodges was agreed upon, as follows : Knights, plain 
red collar; Esquires, plain yellow collar; Pages, plain blue collar. For 
officers, plain red collar, with movable insignia of office on them ; for Vener- 
able Patriarch, plain black, with Bible in metal. Apion Regalias were also 
adopted, as also the installation work for the Grand Lodge, and the funeral 
service, with the addition of a short prayer. 

The success which had attended the efforts of the mere handful of brethren 
devoted to the noble principles of the Order began to appear unmeasured, 
when inquiries commenced to pour in upon them from good men in several 
States, and Pennsylvania particularly, relative to the Order. Immediately a 
fund was started for the purpose of establishing a Lodge in the Keystone 
State at the pi'oper time, and Past Chancellor Thomas Hamilton was ap- 
pointed to take charge of the matter. 

It would seem as if these inquiries from Pennsylvania, and the fruits which 

followed, were the means of giving a renewed life and vigor to the Order, 

and placing it before the world in the light which the founders had so ardently 

hoped for. Certain it is that Pennsylvania to-day has within her borders 

15 



170 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

more than one-third of the entire membership of the Order, and nearly 
one-fourth of the entire number of Subordinate Lodges. 

On the 15th of February, 1867, P. G. C. Barton left Washington for Phila- 
delphia, and while here visited several gentlemen with whom he had corre- 
sponded. These gentlemen met at the residence of Mr. George Hensler, 
corner of Fifteenth and Brown streets, where, after having explained to them 
the objects and principles of the Order, subscribed to an application to the 
Grand Lodge for a charter for Excelsior Lodge, No. I, of Pennsylvania, 
which was forthwith forwarded to the Grand Chancellor at Washington. The 
application read as follows : 

Philadelphia, Feb. 19, 1867. 
To the G. C. and Members of the Grand Lodge Knights of Pythias, D. C. : 

The undersigned, residing in the city of Philadelphia, respectfully petition 
your honorable body to grant them a Charter or Dispensation to establish a 
Lodge of the Knights of Pythias, to be located in the Fifteenth Ward, Phila- 
delphia: said Lodge to be known as Excelsior Lodge, No. I, Knights of 
Pythias, and under your Jurisdiction. 
Charter fee enclosed, $10. 

Wilbur H. Myers, Venerable Patriarch. 
Fred. Coppes, Worthy Chancellor. 
John J. Fisher, Worthy Vice Chancellor. 
William A. Porter, Worthy Banker. 
A. J. Huhlzinger, Worthy Financial Scribe. 
G. Gross, Worthy Recording Scribe. 
J. W. Hencill, Worthy Guide. 
James McDevitt, Worthy Inner Steward. 
George Hensler, D. P. Miller, William Allen, 

William A. McCoy, George C. Johnson, Louis Lampter, 

William R. Buddy, Enoch McCabe, James Porter, 

James Culbertson, C. S. Williams, P. Bodamer, 

C. Umstead, Robert Jeandelle, P. J. Hallowell, 

Jacob Allen, Samuel C. Barton, James Dunn. 

George W. Lanster, 

On the morning of the 23d the representatives from the Grand Lodge and 
the Subordinate Lodges left Washington for Philadelphia, parading through 
the streets of the former city, headed by Heald's Band. The committee 
were received in Philadelphia by Brothers Barton and Dunn, and the mem- 
bers of Excelsior Lodge, No. 1, and by them conducted to the hall of what 
was then the Mechanic Fire Engine Company, on Brown street below 
Fifteenth, where, at eight o'clock the same night, the Lodge was duly organ- 
ized and the officers installed. 

At the next session of the Grand Lodge, on March 12, P. C. Wilbur H. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. I/I 

Myers, and Representatives Fred. Coppes, William A. Porter, and John W. 
Hencill, presented themselves and were admitted to seats. The success of 
the new Lodge was flattering in the extreme, and at the end of four months 
it had enrolled over three hundred members, and requested the Grand Lodge 
to grant a dispensation to make their first officers Past Officers. This was 
agreed to, and Brothers John J. Fisher, William H. Wartmart, George W. 
Pugh, William A. Parker, John W. Hencill, James McDevitt, Joseph Heu- 
man, and John Brown, M. D., were declared Past Chancellors of the Knights 
of Pythias of the State of Pennsylvania. 

The first Lodge organized in this State outside of Philadelphia was Friend- 
ship Lodge, No. 5, of Reading, which applied for and obtained a charter at 
the meeting of the Grand Lodge, on August 5. 

While the Order remained in statu quo in the District of Columbia it was 
rapidly spreading in other sections — notably in Pennsylvania, where, up to 
the 8th of October, 1867, there were eleven Lodges, with a membership 
numbering over thirteen hundred. Feeling their importance, and to more 
fully extend the benefits of the rapidly growing Order, the Past Chancellors 
of Pennsylvania petitioned to the Grand Lodge for power to establish a Grand 
Lodge in Pennsylvania, under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge of the 
United States. There was no Supreme Lodge at that time, but it was soon 
afterwards organized, being recognized as a want which filled a void and aided 
in the better government of the lai-ge body which came under its control. 

To Past Chancellor Coppes, of Excelsior Lodge, belongs the credit of 
designing a badge for members of the Order, consisting of a knight's helmet, 
shield, spear, axe, &c, encircled by a ring. So clever was the design, and 
it being suitable for the purpose, the Grand Lodge adopted it, and it stands 
the same to the present time. 

At this time a deep interest began to be awakened in Maryland and 
New Jersey, and at the session of the Grand Lodge, held November 27, 1867, 
applications were received and charters granted for the establishment of 
Golden Lodge, No. I, and Monumental Lodge, No. 2, Baltimore. The 
Order increased rapidly in this State, until Maryland stands fifth in the rank 
of the whole number of States, with ninety-one Lodges and a membership of 
nearly seven thousand. 

That much maligned State, New Jersey, was the next to follow and inquire 
the true way of Pythian friendship and brotherly love. The Grand Lodge, 
on December 10, 1867, granted dispensations to New Jersey Lodge, No. I, 
of Mount Holly, and Damon Lodge, No. 2, of Camden. " The Knight's 
Armor," written by H. K. Shackleford, Esq., of New Haven, Conn., gives 
the following amusing incident relative to the introduction of the Order in 
New Jersey : 

" During the fall of 1 867 several gentlemen in various parts of the State 
expressed a strong desire to know more of the Knights of Pythias Order, but 



172 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

delayed action, hoping some one more energetic than themselves would 
bring it into the State and enable them to test its merits. This state of things 
existed until November of that year, when parties in Camden and Mount 
Holly, each ignorant of the other's movements, determined to form a Lodge 
and apply for a charter. In Camden nine members of the I. O. O. F. resolved 
to go over to Philadelphia, join the Order if possible, investigate thoroughly 
its principles, objects, etc., and, if found to be what was claimed for it, imme- 
diately transplant it to the soil of New Jersey. They were elected, initiated, 
and received the practical lessons, and immediately withdrew their cards. 
On the 29th day of November they organized Damon Lodge, No. 1, of New 
Jersey, and petitioned for a charter. Notwithstanding this haste, several gen- 
tlemen in Burlington county had applied the day before them, and upon 
receiving this information Damon Lodge changed its number to ' 2,' and both 
bodies received their charters." On the 12th of December the officers of the 
Grand Lodge installed the officers of the new Lodges at the Odd Fellows' 
Hall, in Camden. The Order progressed with wonderful rapidity in this 
State, and on the 16th of March, 1868, a Grand Lodge was formed, with 
Samuel Read as Grand Chancellor, and Robert T. S. Heath, as Grand Ven- 
erable Patriarch. 

The officers of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania were installed on the 
13th day of December, 1867, and were as follows: Wilbur H. Myers, Ven- 
erable Grand Patriarch; Frederick Coppes, Grand Chancellor; George W. 
Crouch, Vice Grand Chancellor; William Blancbois, Grand Recording 
Scribe; William T. Slocumb, Grand Financial Scribe; William T. Rose, 
Grand Banker; C. B. Prentiss, Grand Guide; Joseph L. Nichols, Grand 
Inner Steward ; Edwin T. Martin, Grand Outer Steward. 

At the conclusion of the ceremonies of installation, the entire party pro- 
ceeded to the Washington House, opposite The Press office, and enjoyed a 
grand banquet. Proper recognition was taken of the great services which 
Brother Wilbur H. Myers had rendered in transplanting the Order from 
Washington, where it was weak, to Philadelphia, where it had prospered so 
wonderfully. 

On the 13th day of January, 1868, Washington Lodge, No. 1, of Wilming- 
ton, Delaware, was organized and the officers installed, this being the first 
Lodge in that State ; but it was soon followed by others, until soon the Order 
assumed great strength, and under date of April 29, 1868, a Charter for a 
Grand Lodge was granted. 

The Order was introduced into the South by Brother Alfred Shaw, of 
Philadelphia, who located in the city of New Orleans, early in 1868, and 
was appointed Past Chancellor and Deputy Grand Chancellor of the State of 
Louisiana, that he might more properly carry out his work. His efforts were 
crowned with success, and soon he reported to the Supreme Lodge the organ- 
ization of Ivanhoe Lodge, No. 1, of the State of Louisiana. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 1 73 

The rapid increase of Grand Lodges soon necessitated a change in the 
mode of government, and a reorganization arid elevation of the fountain-head 
of the Order. In order to meet this want, a meeting was held at the Castle 
Hall of Commercial Lodge, in the Southwark Hose House, Third street 
below Lombard, on the 15th of May, 1868, when the Supreme Lodge of the 
United States was organized, composed of the Past Grand Chancellors and 
three Representatives from each Grand Lodge in the country, J. H. Rath- 
bone, of Washington, being elected Past Supreme Chancellor and Founder ; 
Wilbur H. Myers, of Pennsylvania, Supreme Venerable Patriarch, and 
Samuel Read, of New Jersey, Supreme Chancellor. 

The interest felt by the women of the land in the Order induced Kate A. 
Benner, of No. 15 17 Park Avenue, to apply for a Charter from the Supreme 
Lodge, on the 7th of August, 1868, but as there was no provision for " Dames 
of Pythias " in the Order, the communication was tabled by the body. 

The Order was introduced into New England by the organization of Rath- 
bone Lodge, No. 1, at New Haven. The Order increased rapidly in New 
England, especially in Connecticut and Massachusetts. 

It found lodgment in the Empire State on the 18th day of May, 1868, 
when Rathbone Lodge, No. 1, was instituted. 

The Order was then taken westward, and found a foothold in Kentucky 
and the Western States ; but the greatest success was in Ohio, which at the 
present time ranks fourth in the number of Lodges, and has a membership of 
nearly six thousand. 

The years covering the period of from 1869 to 1872 saw what might be 
termed a mushroom growth of the Order. The numbers were swelled enor- 
mously, but the increase was not healthy. True it is, that the new Order had 
odds, and large ones, to contend against in the old-established secret societies, 
Masonry and Odd-Fellowship, and it must be said that in numerous cases the 
refuse of these Orders were swept into the Pythian fraternity, only, however, 
to be cleared out when their true character became apparent. 

At the present writing there are but few Lodges outside of the United 
States of the Knights of Pythias. One has been instituted and is in success- 
ful working at Honolulu, Sandwich Islands, and others are in Canada and 
New Brunswick. An attempt was made to establish the Order in England, 
and a Lodge was working there, but is not under the jurisdiction of the Su- 
preme Lodge of the World. Last year an effort was made to firmly establish 
the Order in Germany by a member of a New Jersey Lodge. In order that 
, there might be no interference in the future, a conference was held with 
Count Von Bismarck, and the principles of the Order were fully explained to 
him. His Imperial Highness expressed his extreme pleasure and approba- 
tion of the tenets as shown him, and said that it would be inadvisable just 
then to introduce any new organization into the Kingdom, but that he would 
give his sanction at an early day. Notwithstanding this refusal on the part 
15* 



174 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

of Count Bismarck, there could have been organized at the time three Lodges 
in the city of Berlin, but it was deemed politic to refrain from any action 
which would tend to excite the hostility of the government, bide their time, 
and thus keep in the good graces of this powerful ruler, who could render 
aid, while his ill-will would be a death-stroke to the future success of the 
scheme. 

In comparison with the numerical strength of the Order in previous years 
the present shows a falling off, compared with 1 874. This fact is due to two 
reasons, the first of which is ascribed to the financial stringency and the dull 
times which have been experienced in business ; and second, to the fact that 
the Order is being purged of many objectionable members. The membership 
of to-day is a genuine one, and increases slowly but surely, each accession 
to the ranks being a worthy one. Entire harmony prevails in the Order now, 
where all was confusion and wrangling a few years ago. Indeed, the pros- 
pects for future success were never so flattering as they are at this Centennial 
season. 

The public demonstration of the Order yesterday was the third general one 
that has been held in the history of the organization — the first being at Balti- 
more, in 1872, when there were some fifteen hundred brethren in line; the 
second at Richmond, Va., the year following, and the third was witnessed in 
the grand pageant in this city yesterday. 

The streets of Philadelphia presented a most animated display. From 
every window floated bunting emblematic of all nations, and forming an ad- 
mirable background to the numerous flags sat thousands of ladies gazing with 
intense interest on the scenes before them. Broad and Chestnut streets were 
particularly noticeable by reason of their magnificent exhibition of the ban- 
ners of all nations. All the houses on the line of the parade had their win- 
dows filled with groups of ladies, and from many a window floated waving 
handkerchiefs, expressive of a generous welcome to the visitors who thronged 
the streets. The sidewalks were thronged — men, women, and children 
pressed eagerly against the ropes to witness the coming parade. All were 
eagerly anxious to witness the display. It was evident that most of those 
present had warm friends among the several divisions. As the various regi- 
ments passed, these friends of the several Lodges testified their appreciation 
of the bearing of their brethren by loud and prolonged applause. Thousands 
of ladies and gentlemen lined the sidewalks, and as the parade marched past 
repeated cheers were given to the several companies, which deserved the 
compliments they so freely received. Many were disappointed by the tardy 
appearance of their friends, but all waited, thoroughly aware that they would 
be well rewarded for their stay. 

The procession was preceded by a cavalcade, consisting of about fifty 
Knights in full uniform. The participants presented a fine appearance, all 
being gayly caparisoned, and all showing that their desire was to make the dis- 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 175 

play as impressive as possible. Every man seemed to feel and understand 
the importance of the occasion, and it is a matter worthy of all commendation 
to say that the bearing of the participants was such as to evoke the highest 
possible praise. At no time has there been a finer display, and at no time 
since the inauguration of the Centennial celebration has there been manifested 
a greater desire to make the event worthy of the occasion. 

Youthful as the Order is, there was such an impression made yesterday as 
will convince the public of the power of the organization and of its impor- 
tance. That it commended itself to the people generally there can be no 
doubt, and as a lead-off to the parade there never has been a better or finer 
turnout in the shape of a cavalcade. Following came a delegation of forty- 
three Knights, all in full armor, visor, coat-of-mail, etc. This was undoubt- 
edly a great attraction. Such a pageant has never been witnessed before, 
and something like an idea of the Order was thus obtained. It showed that 
their breast-plate being truth, and their helmet being of righteousness, they 
are invincible against error and oppression. Perhaps never before have the 
people been afforded a just conception of a Knight prepared for the conflict. 
Everyman rode a fine charger and carried a trusty lance, and without excep- 
tion, there was that well-settled conviction of the justice of their mission as 
to make them strong in the advocacy of it. At no time has there been seen 
a finer or more gayly caparisoned cavalcade, and that it was a feature there 
is not the slightest chance for a doubt. Following came the officers and 
members of the Supreme Lodge of the World in barouches. Next came 
the officers of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania : Henry M. Wadsworth, 
Grand Chancellor; William A. M. Line, Grand Prelate; George Hawkes, 
Grand Keeper of Records and Seal; A. A. Duke, Grand Master at Arms, 
and Henry Stuckbine, Supreme Master of Exchequer. The Executive Com- 
mittee, to whom was entrusted the charge and the arrangements of the parade, 
followed in carriages, as follows : Charles Adams, Charles K. Neisser, Morris 
H. Gorham, J. L. Vanzant, John L. Wynn, George Hawkes, George Ward, 
Joseph F. Williams, Henry H. Kinzig, William J. Raith, Charles Humphries, 
Thomas Cockerell, John A. Granville, Austin Long, John Stotzer, Smith D. 
Cozzens, Charles G. Hill, and John P. Linton. 

Shortly after eleven o'clock the parade began to move. The following 
gentlemen had at that hour arranged the several details, and all was in readi- 
ness for the greatest display ever made by the Knights of Pythias. Chief 
Marshal E. Walter Scott had the following gentlemen acting on his staff as 
aids : Charles J. Wollenmeyer, Henry Hunter, George Buckman, and David 
Schuyler. For assistant marshals the following gentlemen were assigned : 
Gus Moorehead, I; George F. Willard, 166; John Gerhard, 74; J. A. 
Granville, 196; G. H. Elbra, 108; G. W. Ward, i; John B. Merritt. 25; 
Christian Kinzig, 74; W. J. Raith, 205; Samuel Moore, ico; Allen J. 
Lucans, Charles Shaw, 37 ; Austin Long, 8; Lemuel B. Justice, 26; Norman 



176 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

H. Stevens, 26; George A. Dubree, Theodore Rively, 5; Shereser, 

360; J. Walter and George Green. Messrs. Schuyler, Granville, and Jus- 
tice, acted as escort to the Grand Lodge. The sounds of martial music pre- 
saged the approach of the grand parade, and thousands of eager spectators 
gazed with eager interest on the approaching blue, yellow, and red banners. 
On marched the parade, a magnificent pageant of the organization of modern 
civilization and brotherhood. The uniform step of the numerous com- 
manderies reverberated along the streets lined with thousands of admirers, 
and the superb display made by the Knights of Pythias of America caused 
cheer after cheer to greet the advancing battalions. The First Division, under 
George W. Buckman, of Lodge No. 7, grandly advanced. It was headed by 
a squad of police, whose military bearing furnished a perfect example of the 
bearing which should characterize the columns behind. And the columns 
which followed were not backward in their appearance and discipline. 
First marched the Lodge holding the right of line and the advance of 

The First Division. — It was Excelsior Lodge, No. I, of Pennsylvania, 
100 strong, and headed by Bayley's superb band (of the 6th regiment.) It 
marched with military precision, and under the command of John W. Garvin, 
won golden opinions for its appearance and drill. Lodge No. 3 (Chosen 
Friends) also presented a magnificent appearance. Its members walked 
shoulder to shoulder with the precision of veterans, and its handsome banner 
elicited general admiration. It was headed by the band of the State Fenci- 
bles, and its uniformed men, numbering about 50, were universally noticed 
for their fine marching and discipline. Following marched No. 6 (Star of 
Bethlehem), W. Wesley Saunders commanding, 60 men in fine form, and 
bearing unmistakable evidences of their military training. Union Lodge, No. 
14, followed, with the Springfield Band at its head, and was received with 
warm greetings along the route. But the ovation extended to this division was 
reserved for Damon Lodge. Headed by the Haverford Cornet Band, which 
played several popular marching tunes in an admirable manner, marched 
Damon Lodge, No. 8, its members fully uniformed, and by their appearance 
and creditable evolutions eliciting loud applause. They numbered over 100 
men, and were under the command of Louis Wagner, and their drill de- 
servedly called forth general applause along the route of the parade. Lodge 
40, headed by the Spring Mill Band, and displaying a particularly handsome 
banner, also attracted general notice. Crystal Fountain Lodge, No. 17, turned 
out 50 men, under the command of Marshal B. F. White. A handsome flag, 
cai-ried in a carriage and of a really beautiful design, was one of the most 
brilliant features of the display. Following marched Nonpareil Lodge, No. 
20, numbering about 80 men, and headed by the Valley Forge Band, making 
a fine appearance. 

The Second Division. — This division, under the command of Grand 
Marshal E. J. Maguigan, was especially noticeable for its fine appearance 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 1 77 

and the discipline of the men. Their several manoeuvres were executed in 
a style which drew forth repeated cheers, and showed that the members 
attracted the attention they so well deserved. The Emmet Fife and Drum 
Band, followed by the Cornet Band of Philadelphia, led the division, and 
next marched with regular step and military precision Lodge 23, under the 
command of Lieut. A. D. Emery. They numbered 80 stalwart men, and 
marched well. The Americus Band of 20 pieces, headed No. 33 (Olive 
Branch Lodge), numbering 80 men, under William R. Buck. They dis- 
played a very fine flag and presented a fine appearanee. Two carriages, 
conveying invited guests of the Order followed, after which marched in really 
fine style Lodge 38, commanded by Daniel W. Bussinger. This organization 
was headed by the Germantown Band, under Henry Foster, a band deserving 
special notice for its splendid performances. 

The Third Division was especially noticeable by the number of the bril- 
liant banners it displayed. It was commanded by Henry Ruff, and included 
Lodges from 54 to 90. The division was headed, after the marshal and his 
aids, by the Edwin Forrest Band, of 20 pieces, followed by Herman Lodge, 
No. 54, Colonel Harry Reiff, commanding, numbering nearly 150 men. Of 
these fully half were in full uniform, and presented a fine display. Next 
came the Metropolitan Band, heading Kensington Lodge, No. 55, with 100 
men in line. Mercantile Lodge, No. 57, with the Athletic Band, displayed 
a very fine banner, and, under the command of Samuel Bullock, mustered 100 
men. Four mounted Knights in this Lodge were an especial feature. Fol- 
lowing came Damelio's Band, playing ahead of Myrtle Wreath Lodge, 
which, under Thomas Elder, turned out 100 men. Joseph Lodge, No. 64, 
came next, its fine banner attracting general notice, and its members bearing 
themselves in right gallant style. This Lodge was commanded by William 
McDowell, and was headed by the National Cornet Band of 18 pieces, which, 
under the leadership of D. F. Reading, discoursed fine music. The Lodge 
had 70 members in line. Evening Star Lodge, No. 187, of Frankford, fol- 
lowed with 40 men, under the command of George A. Peachey. Guttenberg 
Lodge, with Captain Koch at its head, made a fine display with its handsome 
banners and well- drilled men, and was universally admired. Under the 
command of George Rogers marched 

The Fourth Division, a fitting companion to those which preceded it. Its 
marching was particularly good. The Spring Garden City Band, 17 pieces, 
headed by John Fox, led Lodge No. 91, E. B. Emery in chief command. 
The Lodge had 80 men in line, and looked remarkably well. The Rock- 
dale Band, of Delaware county, followed. It was led by George Blair, and 
was a fitting introduction to the approach of Centennial Lodge, No. 100, in 
which, under the command of Marshal David Magill, marched, with stately 
tread, 120 men in line. Crusader Lodge, No. 125, Joseph Wynkoop com- 
manding, followed, and its 60 members looked remarkably well. The Mutual 

M 



178 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Band of Post 94, G. A. R., numbering 20 pieces, led by L. S. Gould, headed 
Cincinnatus Lodge. This turned out 100 men, under Marshal G. W. King, 
and was generally applauded. The Athens Cornet Band were in advance 
of the Pythagoras Lodge, No. 129. The Lodge numbered 100 men, and, 
under Emory H. Sickles, displayed military bearing of the highest order. In 

The Fifth Division, there were several points of interest. Particularly 
noticeable were the elegant banners and handsome uniforms displayed and 
the carriage of the men. Frederick Blackburn was the commander. As the 
division marched with military precision down Broad street it received pro- 
longed cheers for its superb appearance. It was led by Lodge 175, which 
was headed by the Willow Cornet Band, and the Lodge turned out 100 men. 
Following came the Carbon County Division, looking extremely well in their 
new uniforms, and after them marched 205, with 80 men, in fine style, under 
Capt. Patrick Moore; and next, with 70 men in line, followed Lodge 219, 
from Montgomery county, under Marshal J. Kay; 227 (Metropolitan Lodge) 
brought up the rear, and under its able Marshal, James O. Wallace, looked 
in capital order. A number of the visiting delegations were escorted by the 
last division, which, as before remarked, is entitled to great credit for its fine 
appearance. 

Sixth Division. — This division was composed entirely of Lodges and dele- 
gations from New York, and the display they made was truly worthy of the 
great Empire State. Every man seemed to realize that upon him depended the 
credit of the organization, and all appeared to feel that it was all-important 
to hold up high the banner of the noble Order. The visitors assembled on 
Wallace street, right resting on Broad, under the command of J. R. Smith. 
It was composed as follows: Excelsior Division, No. I, George W. Peek, 
Marshal, headed by the Odd-Fellows' Band. There were 50 men, all in full 
uniform, and within their line they carried a richly-wrought Pythian banner. 
Next followed Germania Division, No. 2, in command of Bernard Scheyer. 
This division, which consisted of 40 men, presented a fine appearance. Next 
came Robert Bruce Lodge and Cceur de Leon, the whole under the marshal- 
ship of W. H. Van Nostrand. All were uniformed. The first had out 55 
Knights and the latter 25. Following in a carriage were the following 
officers of the Grand Lodge of New York: G. M. of E., Henry Lemerman ; 
G. K. of R. and S., F. W. George. In the line was carried an elegant ban- 
ner, bearing the insignia of the Order. A finer-looking uniformed body of 
men can rarely be met with, and what is to their credit is, that throughout 
the whole route the participants maintained their position in the line, and 
bore themselves with infinite credit. 

Seventh Division. — This division was composed of the Southern brethren. 
To say that it was a fine display would but feebly express the opinion of all 
who witnessed the movements of the participants. The discipline and drill of 
the Maryland Knights was faultless, and every command that was given was 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 1 79 

promptly executed, with a precision that would have done credit to old mili- 
tary organizations. A finer display than that made by the Knights of Mary- 
land has never been witnessed upon our streets. The elegant turnout was 
commanded by G. R. S. Sand Mills. The line was formed punctually upon 
time on Mount Vernon street, right resting upon Broad street, as follows : 
First Division of Maryland, J. Frank Lewis, commander, S. H. Danaker, 
adjutant, and John A. Zamper, musical director. The line was thus com- 
posed: Rescue Lodge, No. 23, F. T. Crate, commander, 100 men; Valiant 
Lodge, No. 63, J. H. Marshall, commander, 36 men; Stoddart Lodge, J. 
Pritchard, commander, 70 men; Concordia Lodge, No. 24, J. F. Sourhaff, 
commander, 20 men; Mount Vernon Lodge, No. 15, G. F. Rohelon, com- 
mander, 50 men. Second Divison: Germania Drill Association, P. G. C. 
Henry Lantz, commander, 80 men. Third Division : Good Will Association, 
P. C. Wm. H. Kanner, commander, 80 men. Fourth Division : Pythian Drill 
Association, P. G. C. George W. Lindsay, commanding, 60 men. In the line 
there were carried finely-wrought American and Pythian flags, and preceding 
the delegations above named were the following bands : First Monumental City 
Band, Sixth Maryland Military Band, Law Greys' Band, and Weber's Band. 
In the rear of the uniformed Knights were a large number of the members 
of the Order in citizen's dress, bearing upon their breasts an appropriate satin 
badge and a well-executed miniature representation of the Mount Vernon 
Monument. The Knights of Maryland numbered in all some 400 members, 
and right well should they be pleased with their very creditable appearance. 
Then followed Wilmington Division, No. I, in full uniform, numbering in all 
55 men, and commanded by J. C. Jones. This delegation carried an elegant 
banner, and executed a number of movements, such as forming the cross, 
marching as a square, etc. All the evolutions elicited the greatest demon- 
strations of approval, and the impression made by the Knights of the Diamond 
State will long remain to their credit. 

Eighth Division. — Then came New Jersey, the sister State, whose demon- 
stration was worthy of the occasion, and showed unmistakably that the Order 
has a foundation almost as deep as the everlasting hills. Abetter display has 
never been made by any State, and in point of numbers it would be impos- 
sible to exceed it outside of this Commonwealth. The command formed on 
Green street, right resting on Broad street, under the command of G. C. 
William Ward. The division was thus composed : Damon Division, No. 2, 
P. F. Shanley, commander, 36 men, with the Westwood Band ; Washington 
Division, No. 3, 15th Battalion Band, of Brooklyn, N. Y., Capt. James Wil- 
liams, 42 men; Hudson County, 50 men, Capt. Isaac Van Gund; District 
No. 7, Trenton, District Deputy A. J. Herbert, commanding, 52 men, with 
Peterman's 7th Regiment Band, of Trenton ; Howard Lodge, No. 83, F. F. 
Turner, commander, 75 men from Glassboro, with the Clayton Band of Glass- 
boro. This body was entirely ununiformed, but yet presented a very fine ap- 



180 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

pearance with their blue badges and flags of the Order. Division No. 3, 
under the marshalship of James R. Rutan,had out 65 men, all of whom were 
neatly clad and presented a very creditable appearance. Newark Division, 
under the command of General William Ward, had out 200 Knights, and 
though ununiformed, looked exceedingly well. In the line were carried 
Pythian and American flags. The following Grand Lodge officers accom- 
panied the delegations from New Jersey : V. G. C., J. M. Powell ; G. P., C. 
R. Carey; G. K. of R. and S., W. B. French; G. M. of E., J. P. Fowler. 

Ninth Division. — This was particularly a fine division, and the men com- 
prising it did credit to the District of Columbia, from which they hail. In 
point of discipline the Knights would compare favorably with any similar 
body, and it was a plainly observed fact that some attention had been given 
to drill. The Washingtonians formed on Spring Garden street, east of 
Broad, and were composed of the following Lodges : Franklin, No. 2 ; Mount 
Vernon, No. 5; Liberty, No. 6; Webster, No. 7; Friendship, No. 8; Deca- 
tur, No. 9; Syracusans, No. 10; Calanthe, No. 11; Hermion, No. 12; Ex- 
celsior, No. 14; the Germania, No. 15; Reliance, No. 16; Occassia, No. 17; 
Equal, No. 18; Harmony, No. 21 ; Union, No. 22. The whole was in com- 
mand of G. S. Eberly, Vice Grand Chancellor. In the line there were fully 
200 Knights, who were accompanied by Esperta's Band. The officers wore 
capes and several wore white metal helmets. In the city of Washington the 
uniformed Knights of Franklin, No. 2, and Excelsior, No. 14, all wear the 
metal helmets. In addition to the above there were 50 ununiformed Knights, 
who carried with them a fine banner and flags of the Pythian Order, as well 
as the colors of the country. 

Then came Massachusetts, with 50 uniformed Knights, under the command 
of A. O. Burton. These Knights came to the city on the steamer New Bruns- 
wick, and while in the city the excursionists ate and slept on board of the 
vessel. The Medford Band accompanied the delegation, and a finer body of 
men than these from the Bay State is seldom to be met with. As fine a dis- 
play as was made in the whole line was made by the Eastern brethren. All 
were uniformed, and all presented a fine appearance. 

Tenth Division. — This division was the wind-up of the whole affair, and 
consisted of a number of carriages containing members of the Order. It was 
led by a delegation from Ragua Lodge, of this city, in full uniform, followed 
by those from Lodges of this city and abroad. When the head of the line 
reached the Academy of Music there was a jam of people, and, but for the 
excellent and well-executed orders of Chief of Police Jones, there would not 
only have been confusion, but more than likely accidents of a fatal nature. It 
was the point where the Supreme Lodge reviewed the procession, and conse- 
quently it was the only place of interest. The details of the parade were 
admirably carried out, and reflected great credit upon all concerned. 

The Academy of Music presented a brilliant scene on the occasion of the 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. IS I 

reception tendered by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania to the Supreme 
Lodge of the World. The spacious parquet and stage had been united for 
the greater festivities of the night, and the stage was set with a beautiful 
woods scene, the rear representing a balcony, from which was viewed a wild 
mountain stream. The proscenium boxes were neatly decorated and hung 
with the American flag and the distinctive standard of the Order, in blue, 
yellow, and red silk stripes, representing the progressive steps of Page, Es- 
quire, and Knight; in the centre, emblazoned in gold, the shield and helmet 
of a knight. Seats were arranged for the Supreme Lodge in the centre of 
the stage, Supreme Vice Chancellor D. B. Woodruff occupying the seat of 
honor, in the absence of Supreme Chancellor Davis, who was ill. Beck's 
Philadelphia Band, No. I, M. D. Aledo, conductor, discoursed the popular 
and operatic airs previous to the commencement of the exercises of the day. 
At nearly three o'clock, Past Grand Chancellor E. Waller Scott, who was 
chairman of the Committee on Reception, entered, accompanied by Past 
Chancellors David Schuyler, Lemuel B. Justice, and J. Albert Granville. 
When the arrangements had been made, the Supreme Lodge of the World, 
escorted by Germantown Lodge, No. 38, headed by the Germantown Cornet 
Band, marched into the Academy and took seats on the stage. The members 
of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and the following members of the Ex- 
ecutive Committee were drawn up in line on the north side of the stage : 
Knights Charles Humphries, John Stolzh, William J. Raiveley, Morris H. 
Gorham, John L. Wynn, John P. Linton, and Charles N. Neisser. Past 
Grand Chancellor Scott then advanced to the front, and was received with ap- 
plause. When it had subsided, he addressed the Supreme Lodge as follows: 

Supreme Officers, Representatives and Members, Ladies and 
Gentlemen:— On behalf of the Executive Committee and the Grand Lodge 
of Pennsylvania, it is my pleasure to extend to you a hospitable and cordial 
welcome to this city. It is an arduous duty, because I see around me men 
who are much older than myself, and who are superior to me. It is eminently 
fitting that your meeting should be held in this city of Brotherly Love, at this 
time, the place where the Magna Charta of the world was written. It is also 
peculiarly fitting that those whose principles are universal brotherhood should 
come here. 

The speaker then addressed the ladies, and said that the Knights must look 
to them to exert the power of good. Aside from the dignity of office and 
society's busy throng, there is an underlying virtue in woman which all ap- 
preciate. For your smiles we beg and countenance we ask. This meeting 
will inaugurate a great and forward march, and mark an epoch in the history 
of the Order never to be forgotten. 

In the absence of Brother Davis, Supreme Vice Chancellor Woodruff, on 
behalf of the Supreme Lodge, replied as follows : 
16 



1 82 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Gentlemen of the Centennial Committee, Ladies and Gentle- 
men : I appear before you to discharge a duty which has devolved upon me. 
It is a pleasant and yet a painful duty : pleasurable because of the noble senti- 
ments and welcome which have been extended to us by the chairman of the 
Executive Committee; painful, because I am here to represent the chief ex- 
ecutive officer of the Order, Brother Davis, who at this time lies ill, having 
been suddenly stricken down. On behalf of the Supreme Lodge I accept 
your noble welcome, and return our sincere thanks. We have often heard 
of the liberality of the Philadelphia brethren, but like the visit of the Queen 
of Sheba to King Solomon, who said that the half of his magnificence had 
never been told her, so with us. We have heard of, but never before re- 
ceived, such regal treatment as has been accorded us. I will not encroach 
further upon your time, but on behalf of the Supreme Lodge allow me to 
again thank you, gentlemen of the committee, for your kindness. 

The order of the exercises was then taken up, it being to have speakers 
from each section of the country to relate the progress of the Order in their 
various localities. Past Grand Chancellor S. P. Oyler, of Indiana, was intro- 
duced, and spoke for the North. He spoke as follows : 

This is a great occasion, and this a great city. This is a great Order, 
although but twelve years of age, and in th'e thirteenth year of its Pythian 
period. The duty assigned me has been to speak for the great North, but I 
should call it the mighty West. It may have been the design of the com- 
mittee to show by members from all parts of this great and growing country, 
that the work of universal brotherhood has extended to all sections in the 
great North, South, East, and even the mighty West. The speaker then 
reviewed the foundation of the Order, stating that it was founded at the time 
when the country was plunged in carnage and bloodshed. Its cradle was 
rocked on one side by the " Boy in Blue," and on the other by the " Boy in 
Gray." To heal such differences and cause the spread of friendship between 
the sections is one of the principles of the Order. We seek to elevate man 
by teaching him his duty to his brother. For the North, the speaker said that 
the brethren of the East and South must look well to their laurels, or they 
would be eclipsed in the time that is to come. The past will speak for itself 
in the North, and we intend to gird up our loins and make promises which 
our brethren will fairly and honorably redeem. 

Past Grand Chancellor Samuel J. Read, of New Jersey, then introduced 
Brother Woodruff to speak for the South. He was received with great ap- 
plause, and made the following address : 

Brethren of the Executive Committee, Representatives, Ladies 
and Gentlemen : The delight which swells my breast by the animating 
scenes of this day finds no fit expression in language or words, and I could 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 1 83 

have wished that upon this occasion I might have been a silent spectator, free 
to enjoy the rapturous emotions of gratitude which I now feel, and in undis- 
turbed solitude to drink deeply from the springs of thanksgiving for the rich 
rewards vouchsafed to us as an Order, and the manifold blessings showered 
upon our common country. But the very distinguished committee who 
have honored me with the position which I now occupy have overruled my 
wishes, and I yield to their request. Were it not that the joy which I feel is 
shared in by you, I might shrink from the task imposed, but that delight 
which swells our hearts has moved the heart of this great city. Her streets 
and avenues are thronged with multitudes swaying hither and thither with 
restive pulse. Men and women, with eager curiosity, crowd every available 
spot. Gay pennants and flags float from every eminence, joining in mute 
though eloquent voice to do honor to this occasion. Masses of humanity are 
astir, banners are unfurled, and the soul-stirring strains of martial music rever- 
berate through your streets, accompanied by the tramp of men who, clad in 

Battle's magnificently stern array, 

have suddenly burst upon this peaceful community. Thousands have caught 
the inspiration of the hour, and are here to honor the cause we espouse and 
the year we celebrate. And not only is the heart of this great city moved, 
but the great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, with her 40,000 Knights, 
responds with the spirit of rejoicing and gladness. Nor does it stop at the 
boundary of this State, stretching away from the Atlantic to the Great Lakes, 
but far beyond, from the land of her majesty, the illustrious Victoria, and 
the islands which girt her rock-bound coast to the Rio Grande ; from the 
lakes to the Gulf, from ocean to ocean, is heard the chanting of our Centen- 
nial hymn by our countrymen and the great brotherhood here represented ; 
and here, within this majestic temple, are gathered thousands who do not 
come together by hazard; who represent no political, sectional, or personal 
interest ; who do not join the pageant of to-day for a mere holiday exhibition, 
or display their numbers for influence on the public mind and sentiment. 
No ! And yet the spectacle here presented is no unmeaning pageant, no 
frivolous display of the toggery of war, no rallying for an onslaught upon im- 
aginary forces, adversaries arrayed in the glittering field of romance, and 
existing only in fancy's bright and gay creation : 

We are bidden to a nobler strife, 
Not to destroy but rescue human life ; 
No added drop in misery's cup to press, 
But minister relief to -wretchedness. 

The Supreme Lodge of the World, Knights of Pythias, in its wisdom, and 
in response to the invitation of the Knights of Pennsylvania, through their 
representatives, are here assembled to join in the Centennial anthem, now 
rolling from sea to sea. And what quarter of our great Republic, I ask, could 



1 84 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

be more befitting the occasion than this — here in this Mecca of " Brotherly 
Love," consecrated as such in its baptism by its founder, whose deathless 
name and virtues are cherished in the innermost hearts of all this people ; here, 
beneath the shadows of that hallowed temple where was framed the " Magna 
Charta" of our liberties, and from whose cloud-capped spire rang the pealing 
notes of " Liberty throughout all the land, unto all the inhabitants thereof; " 
here, where the tongue of Freedom's bell, as it was hurled backward and 
forward by the old man of the belfry, uttered aloud the proclamation engraven 
on its iron lip, startling every heart like a bugle blast, and with each thrilling 
vibration it resounded on, higher, clearer, and more joyous, proclaiming in 
long and loud accents the glorious motto that encircled it ; here, where a 
Robert Morris, a Rush, and a Franklin, with their co-patriots, shook off the 
galling chains of tyranny, declaring the States free and independent, and 
pledging their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor, whose memory, 
with a long line of pre-eminent statesmen, is enshrined and hallowed in the 
hearts of all; here, in this vast city, so abounding with co-operative associa- 
tions, relief societies, and other splendid works of charity, monuments of your 
humanity, encouraged and upheld by the liberality of your people ; here, 
amid the busy hum of trade, the walks of the professions, the schools of the 
arts and sciences, the colleges of learning, the mechanical, industrial, and 
manufacturing interests for which your city has become so famous, and whose 
products are scattered over the civilized world; here, amid the contributions 
of all nations, who have poured into the lap of your beautiful Park their rich 
treasures, boundless and inexhaustible, illimitable in utility, and adapted to 
the comfort, welfare, and happiness of the human race; here, in the Key- 
stone State, not only of the Federal Union, but the keystone jurisdiction in 
the grand arch that spans our Pythian Temple — is a most fitting place for us 
to appear and unite with them in celebrating this Centennial year of our na- 
tional existence. Did time permit, we would take a retrospective glance over 
the past, from the day that the representatives of the " Colonies" assembled 
in solemn conclave in yon " Liberty Hall" to settle the fate of a continent, 
to the standpoint of the present day and hour ; from the birth and cradle of 
the Republic to the full stature of manhood which we behold to-day. Aye ! 
we would go further and point you to the Mayflower, freighted with the 
destinies of an unknown future, and bound across an unknown sea. We 
would point you to the ice-clad rocks of Plymouth, where the disembarked 
pilgrims, weak and exhausted from their five months' voyage, without means, 
without shelter, scantily provisioned, poorly armed, and surrounded by hostile 
tribes, with a prayer to the God of heaven for their deliverance, planted the 
seed, watering it with their tears and blood — and from a beginning so frail 
there has gone forth a growth so wonderful, a progress so steady, an expan- 
sion so ample, that to-day the infant giant of the Western World takes pres- 
tige and rank in the family of nations, standing in no need of guardianship 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 1 85 

and possessing all the elements of greatness ; abounding in every resource, 
material, moral, and intellectual, which adorns and enriches empires ; boun- 
teous and inexhaustible in its agricultural and mineral wealth, illimitable in 
its commerce, manufactures, and the varied products of its industries ; posses- 
sing a domain stretching from ocean to ocean, and teeming with millions of 
people, whose white tents dot every scene in the panorama, from the golden 
mountains of the West, standing out in bold relief — grim sentinels over our 
greatness — to where the sea in plaintive notes responds, 

" My country, ever of thee, ever of thee." 

Standing upon this proud eminence of national greatness, let us not forget 
the dark days of the Republic and the times which tried men's souls. Let 
us not forget the sires of Freedom, who, " appealing to the Supreme Judge 
of the world for the rectitude of their intentions," cast the die, fully prepared 
to meet the dreadful issue. Let us not forget the brave men who stood like 
a bulwark of fire between their posterity and the usurpations of tyranny. Let 
us not forget the heroic struggles from Bunker Hill to Yorktown, the suffer- 
ings of Valley Forge, the battles fought and won, when half-famished and half- 
clothed, yet invincible in their weakness. To their memory let the Te Deum 
from the hearts of a grateful people arise on this occasion. The scene 
changes, presenting an era which we cannot forget — a period in our history 
over which we would gladly draw the veil of oblivion — but truth forbids ; 
that day when the sword and cannon were again the arbiters of honor and 
character : 

When, father 'gainst son, brother 'gainst brother, 

The world saw us arrayed against each other; 

when the dark and sombre clouds of war threatened our existence, and the 
fruits of our prosperity seemed to turn to ashes on our lips ; but, thanks to that 
destiny which "shapes our end, rough, hew it as we may," and that Provi- 
dence which controls the destiny of nations as well as individuals, whose 
pillar of fire overshadowed us, flashing from a thousand hillsides, and glis- 
tening throughout the midnight darkness of that civil strife, scattering the 
clouds of war, and returning the white-winged messenger of peace and 
restoring the Union ; of those who fell in that fierce conflict we say, " De 
mortuis nil nisi Bonum." To you, my countrymen, who survive them, I 
say, " Unitas, Libertas, et Caritas." With these comprehensive mottoes the 
future of our country may be contemplated with pride and pleasure, and 
those who follow us, standing beneath Freedom's dome one hundred years 
hence, will bask in the sunshine of a national glory before which the present 
pales into insignificance and darkness. Brothers, Knights of Pythias : We 
meet to-day as the representatives of an Order known only in modern times, 
whose history is brief and familiar to all, yet whose birth was at a most 
remarkable period in our country's history, when grim-visaged war held high 
16* 



1 86 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

carnival, and all the lessons of friendship in the world's history seemed well- 
nigh forgotten, and humanity was calling loudly for some new proclamation 
of charity and benevolence. 

'Twas a night dark and gloomy, and the blood of brothers slain 
Had our country's altar overflown, leaving dread and awful stain, 
And a crimson, gory curtain, heavy, dripping, wet, 
Had veiled our nation's temple when a few good brothers met. 

'Mid the roar of deadly cannon and the clash of cruel steel, 
They framed our beauteous temple with a grand, heroic zeal ; 
With a prayer to the God of Heaven in the font of living grace, 
There they christened our loved Order, and vouchsafed it to the race. 

But what matters it, if its principles are eternal, what period gave it birth, 
or what country claims it for her own. Our founders, no doubt, were men 
deeply impressed with the idea that man was the child of misfortune, sorrow 
his companion, affliction his handmaid, the grave his birthright. A traveler 
through time, association was essential to his peace and happiness, and 
society necessary for his welfare and advancement. Yet society was inade- 
quate for the great requirement, and everywhere private associations sprang 
into existence for his hopeful deliverance, and our founders, moved by the 
touching story of Damon and Pythias, thought of establishing a fraternity in 
which men would be taught their holiest duties, and indissolubly joined in 
holiest bonds of friendship, and as such the Order of Knights of Pythias 
stands forth pre-eminently prominent, beautiful in her proportions, hallowed 
in her associations, peace dwelling among her sons, and love administering 
around her consecrated altars. Would time permit, it would be gratifying to 
linger among the evidences of her good works and carefully note the prog- 
ress made in the cause of humanity. But time forbids, and we move on- 
ward on the grand rounds. But hark ! we hear a song of gratitude and 
paeans of praise, accompanied by lute and harp, whose vibrating strings, 
swept by the north wind's icy breath, break upon our ear in concord and 
harmony, and rolling onward over mountain, hill, and plain, it is caught up 
on our southern border, and from the great gulf to the lakes there is re-echoed 
back the battle-cry. Borne upon the gentle zephyrs of a tropical clime laden 
with the perfume of the orange and palm, it strikes the cords and flings 
across the tremulous strings of our harps, once tuneless and hymnless, the 
stirring strains of battle and victory. In the cause of humanity we grasp it 
to-day, and with souls fired with a new desire and a heaven-inspired purpose, 
peal out its "Io Triomphe," until its swelling numbers, gathering volume as 
they roll, shall break upon the ear of the fraternity, " Holier than Amphion's, 
immortal as David's, and eternal as the music of the spheres." 

From where the sun first touches with soft, warm kisses the pine-clad hills 
of Maine and the rugged shores of the Atlantic, to where his last rosy beams 
glide skimmingly away over the golden sands of California, is heard the glad 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 1 87 

songs of gratitude for our Order, which are rolled backward by thousands of 
voices in thunder tones, yet gentle as the whisperings of Bethlehem, pro- 
claiming our heaven-inspired motto, " Peace on earth, good-will to men." 
Under that banner, my brethren, marshal your hosts, and cast your eyes over 
the field of your labor, embracing the world. Throughout the length and 
breadth of the land there are thousands of bleeding hearts seeking for sym- 
pathy, thousands perishing for want of a helping hand or a word of cheer; see 
to it that you withhold not the bread that would give new life to the starving, 
or refuse the oil that maketh glad the wounded heart. Perform faithfully, 
fulfil religiously your sacred and solemn vows ; protect and defend the inno- 
cent, help the needy, comfort the sick, feed the hungry, raise the fallen, and 
bind up the wounds of the afflicted, and let your lives be made up of good 
deeds and words. Practise and encourage chivalry — that chivalry, and 
that alone, ever ready to approve that which is good and noble, either among 
the rich or the poor, standing up for the right for right's sake, and frowning 
down wrong whether found in the palace or in the hovel ; that chivalry, and 
that alone, which raises woman, glorious in her purity and innocence, upon 
the highest pedestal of human worship, being superior to her only in manly 
strength wherewith to protect and defend her in her womanly weakness. 
Be true to the principles and teachings of our Order. Be true to one another. 

To thine own self be true, 

And it must follow as the night the day, 

Thou canst not then be false to any man. 

Do all this, my brethren, and your beautiful temple will stand complete in 
all its glory, the world will look on and applaud, and God's angels will 
touch their harps with notes of approval. Do this, and the future of the 
Knights of Pythias — ah ! what of its future ? Who, dipping his pencil in the 
colors of prophetic vision, can shadow its outline upon the painted canvas ? 
Who so versed in the unwritten arithmetic'of futurity, can number her days 
upon the dial of time ? Who, standing upon our Pisgah's top, with his soul 
stirred by the scenes around him, and his mind fired with a heaven-inspired 
prophecy, can look back upon the desert she has passed, the heights she has 
scaled, can survey the white tents of her bannered hosts that are pitched 
around her — who, I say, as he contemplates this scene, fit for poet's pen or 
painter's brush, can describe the Canaan of her future, with its rich pastures 
and waving palms, its Mount of Olives, and its Kedron brook, where with 
harp and lute in holy unison her sons shall swell the heaven-inspired anthem : 

Peace on earth, good-will to men. 

Past Supreme Chancellor Samuel Read, of Mt. Holly, New Jersey, one 
of the first members of the Order in that State, spoke for the East, and 
said: 



1 88 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Supreme Chancellor, Representatives, Knights, Ladies, and Gen- 
tlemen : We have present Representatives from all parts of our extended 
Order, who also desire that some of the great features of this Order may be 
more fully explained, and its unrivaled success made known. I deem it ap- 
propriate also, sir, that the character, duties, and work of our Order should 
be more fully understood as among the many benevolent associations growing 
out of and incident to the benign principles of our National Government — 
a government founded upon that grand principle of man's capability for self- 
government, absolving the idea that " Kings " rule by " Divine" right. Our 
forefathers, driven by tyranny and oppression, sought a home on this Western 
Hemisphere, and through great trials and vicissitudes, with unfaltering " faith 
in God," established a Government upon the will of the governed, where 
every man can sit under his own " vine and fig-tree," worshiping " God " 
according to the dictates of his own conscience, and none to make him afraid. 
Therefore, our first allegiance and duty as men and citizens is to God and 
our country. From that little band, driven from their native land by tyranny 
and oppression, who landed at Plymouth Rock, we number now over 
40,000,000 of people, and have become one of the greatest nations of the 
earth. This year is the Centennial of our nation, emphatically " America's 
year of jubilee." May the ever-living and true " God," whom our fathers 
worshiped, continue to be our God, and continue to guide us by His wis- 
dom, while we further promulgate and practise the great principles of liberty, 
freedom, and universal brotherhood. In this city, at Independence Hall, 
the very cradle of liberty, we behold the bell which one hundred years ago 
proclaimed liberty throughout the land and to all the inhabitants thereof. 
And to-day, within this city of Philadelphia, are assembled the representatives 
of the nations of the earth, who have come to our shores to do homage to the 
American people as friends and brethren, and have brought their richest 
treasures in arts, science, commerce, agriculture, and manufactures to com- 
pare and compete with the advance this people have made in this their first 
century. Such an Exposition the world has never witnessed. What a glo- 
rious heritage is ours ! Let us hand it down to future generations unim- 
paired. Among the many advancements made by the American people are 
to be included the charitable and benevolent systems for the amelioration of 
the family of man. Based upon the principle of our common humanity, re- 
cognizing God as our common Father, and man as our brother, we have 
established associations for relief and assistance in sickness and distress, not 
confined to our own country, but extending to every nation and to eveiy 
clime. The lessons of friendship, charity, and benevolence impressed upon 
the Knights of Pythias upon their induction into the Order, in the recital of 
those valiant deeds of bravery and fidelity which existed between Damon 
and Pythias, when a pledge of honor and true friendship characterized their 
acts even unto death, even when the tyrant Dionysius relented of his own 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 1 89 

tyranny and sought to be admitted into their friendship and confidence, teach 
us a noble example. In reviewing the short existence of the Order of Knights 
of Pythias — that it was organized at the capital of this great nation on the 
19th day of February, 1864, during the most gigantic civil war the world has 
ever witnessed, when the nation itself was struggling for its own existence — 
the North, the South, the East, and the West were involved in bloody strife, 
and fraternal blood was shed by fraternal hands — nay more, when the very 
persons who then founded the Order were in feeling and national sentiment 
as far apart as the North and South poles — then it was, and under such try- 
ing circumstances, a kind Providence put it into their hearts, and has blessed 
their efforts in the establishment of this young Order, a co-worker with other 
kindred benevolent associations for the amelioration of our fellow-men. The 
Order of Knights of Pythias, therefore, was organized upon those Christian 
virtues of love, peace, and good-will to men in the very midst of war. I 
trust you will all join me in fervent prayer to the " God of our fathers" that 
this fact may be the literal fulfilment of that prophecy : " And He shall judge 
among the nations, and rebuke many peoples. They shall beat their swords 
into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks. Nation shall not rise 
up against nation, neither shall they learn war any more, for He hath made 
of one blood all nations to dwell on the face of the earth." I look upon the 
organization of our Order, under those most unpropitious circumstances, as a 
glorious manifestation and triumph of manhood and fraternity, a confirmation 
of the power of a free people. May we highly estimate the value of such an 
Order. And let our hearts be duly impressed with gratitude and love that 
we may prove ourselves faithful to our obligations. The objects and pur- 
poses of the Order of Knights of Pythias are of a dignified character, inti- 
mately connected with the welfare, comfort, and happiness of our fellows: 
" To assist the unfortunate, offering consolation to the afflicted, watching 
by the bedside of the sick and dying, performing the last sad rites at the 
grave of a brother, and caring for the widow and orphan." These are your 
duties, this is your work, Brother Knights. The unrivalled success of this 
Order is shown in the fact that, at the institution of the Supreme Lodge of 
the World, on the nth of August, 1868, there were but five grand jurisdic- 
tions: District of Columbia, Pennsylvania (8th of February, 1867), New Jer- 
sey, Maryland, and Delaware, with a few thousand members. There are 
now 34 Grand Lodges, with a membership of 100,000. General harmony 
and brotherly love prevail throughout. The arduous labors of your present 
Supreme Chancellor Davis have been most faithfully performed, with great 
"personal sacrifice," meriting a continuance for a second term, that he may 
continue to see the good work prosper in his hands. That would be equiva- 
lent to saying, " Well done, good and faithful servant." 

At the conclusion of Chancellor Read's address, Supreme Representative 
Jno. Van Valkenburg, of Iowa, made a lengthy address on behalf of the West. 
The speech was eloquent, and occupied an hour in its delivery. He said : 



I90 THE- KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Supreme Chancellor and Representatives: 

My Dear Friends and Brothers : — The mystic chain that binds together 
this vast assembly to-day, was forged in the hearts of two of earth's noblest 
sons, over twenty centuries ago, on the plains of Syracuse. 

This grand exemplification of pure and disinterested friendship, after twenty 
generations have come and gone, has become the corner-stone of one of earth's 
greatest charitable Orders, whose altars are erected in all the States and Ter- 
ritories of this great Republic, in the Provinces, and amongst the distant 
"Isles of the Sea." 

The infant of yesterday has become a giant of to-day. Our Pythian fra- 
ternity is one of the most miraculous growths of the past decade. Like the 
birth of Minerva from the brain of Jupiter, it has come forth in a day, and 
now challenges the respect and admiration of the civilized world. 

Soon the beautiful and impressive lessons of our Ritual will be gladly wel- 
comed and implicitly obeyed by all the civilized races of man, and all man- 
kind be thus united, by the golden cords of Friendship, Charity, and Benevo- 
lence, into one loving family. 

These men, born as they were in a barbarous era, when the nations were 
clad in a steel armor of selfishness and paganism, recognized the fatherhood 
of God and brotherhood of man, and 

" Earned names that win 
Happy remembrance from the great and good ; 
Names that shall sink not in oblivion's flood, 
But with clear music, like a church-bell's chime, 
Sound through the river's sweep of onward rushing time." 

The length and breadth, and height and depth of this sublime drama, to be 
keenly appreciated, must be viewed in the serene light of contemporary history. 

The benign doctrines of Christianity had not been as yet revealed, and the 
people were afloat on the ocean of uncertainty, with no compass to guide 
them, except the vapid speculations, vain imaginings, and wild theories of 
heathen philosophers. 

Long, weary years in advance of the divinely inspired declarations, that 
" Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his 
friend ; " and " Love is the fulfilling of the law ; " and that " Whatso- 
ever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are 
just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever 
things are of good report ; if there be any praise think on these things ; " in 
an age of violence, rapine, plunder, licentiousness, and superstition, where 
mtgAtma.de right, and nought but injustice reigned in the hearts of men; 
where the will of that moral monster, Dionysius, was the supreme law, our 
sainted Pythias, leaving his betrothed at the marriage altar, ascended the 
scaffold, with unwavering faith in the honor of Damon, and in full view of 
the instruments of his certain death, with a clear voice and unblanched cheek, 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. I9I 

exclaimed : " 'Tis sweet to die for those we love." But ere the fatal mo- 
ment arrived, Damon, triumphing over the treason of his slave, and over 
adverse winds, reached the scaffold and clasped Pythias in his arms. 

This new revelation of character so moved the tyrant that he issued an 
immediate pardon, and begged the honor of being a third in that firm friend- 
ship. This thrilling historic incident ''the world will not willingly let die." 

These names belong to no age or clime, but to humanity, appearing as 
forms of light in the midst of utter darkness. Schooled in the rigid disci- 
pline of the Pythagorean philosophy, which inculcated temperance, self-pos- 
session, masteiy over the passions, truth telling, and to render benefits to 
each other, these maxims, in a wonderful degree, were inwrought into their 
very lives, and moulded these characters of perfect symmetiy and matchless 
beauty. 

These doctrines were at war with the spirit of that age, whose history is 
written in blood. The maxims and precepts of equity jurisprudence were 
not known, the science of what is just and unjust, as now applied to the in- 
finite varieties of human conduct, had never been taught by statesmen or polit- 
ical economists. The Justinian rule, " to lead a stainless life, to hurt no 
man and give every one his due," which blazed like a jewel of light on the 
brow of the Pandects, awakened no response in the hearts of the people of 
that dark era. In view of the universal reign of base passions, intemper- 
ance, falsehood, and selfishness, we do not wonder that Pythagoras imposed 
a silence of five years on candidates prior to initiation in the mysteries of his 
philosophy. 

This requirement was intended to abstract the mind from material things, 
and to induce the applicant to reflect on the ineffable nature of Deity ; and 
even then he was rejected, if passionate or intemperate, contentious or am- 
bitious of worldly honors or distinction. If he passed these severe ordeals 
unscathed, he was allowed to enter into the arcana and know the symbolism 
of these things. 

" We cannot construe the system of Pythagoras as going further than the 
formation of a private, select order of brethren, embracing the religious fan- 
cies, ethical tone, and germs of scientific ideas, and manifesting adhesion by 
those observances which Herodotus and Plato call Pythagorean orgies and 
mode of life. And his private order became politically powerful, because 
he was skilful or fortunate enough to enlist a sufficient number of Crotoni- 
ates, possessing individual influence, which they strengthened immensely by 
thus regimenting themselves in intimate union," 

Five hundred years before the sermon on the Mount, these principles were 
enunciated, enjoining internal piety, honesty of life, purity of deed and thought, 
kindness at home, temperance, truth-telling, and doing good to others. 

These are but the counterparts of the inspired utterances, " Love thy neigh- 
bor as thyself," and " Whatsoever ye would that others should do to you, do 
ye even so to them." 



I92 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

These are the cardinal principles of all the social orders of earth, and have 
been from time immemorial. 

We have no affiliation with the one thousand contending religious sects, 
whose distinctive tenets are adopted by a people speaking over three thou- 
sand languages, and we studiously avoid all political discussions within our 

Castle Halls. 

" In faith and hope the world will disagree, 
But all mankind's concern is charity ; 
All must be false that thwarts this one great end, 
And all of good, that bless mankind, or mend." 

If a man believes that the prophecy of Isaiah has been fulfilled, that 
" Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given ; and the government shall 
be upon his shoulders, and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, 
the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace; " we enjoin 
on him to attend divine worship according to his faith, and when he disbe- 
lieves, his connection with the Order should be severed. We have deep 
concern for the education of the inner man, the proper development of the 
social nature, and the better tendencies of human nature and the restraining 
of all evil inclinations. We strive to make men more friendly, more charita- 
ble, more benevolent. 

" Who can contemplate the heroic friendship of Damon and Pythias, the 
strong affection of Jonathan and David, and the noble self-sacrificing love of 
the great lawgiver of the Jews, without having the better attributes of his 
nature stirred to their profoundest depths ? How beautiful, amid the havoc 
of war and the barbarous customs of the ancient world, shines forth the inim- 
itable conduct of Tygranes, a prince of Armenia, who, when asked by his 
conqueror, Cyrus, « What ransom do you offer for your life ? ' replied : * My 
possessions.' * What for your wife? ' ' My life ! ' was t\\z prompt reply. Pen- 
etrated by the magnanimity of his conduct, Cyrus released him. On retiring 
from the presence of Cyrus, Tygranes inquired of his wife her opinion of the 
king. ' I did not see him,' was the reply. ' Not see him ? ' cried the aston- 
ished prince. * No,' she replied; ' I was so taken up with gazing on him who 
offered his life for my ransom, that I saw no one else.' " 

These are not its only exemplars to the world, for did not Archytas save 
Plato's life at the court of the younger Dionysius, and did not Simmias con- 
sent to suffer the penalty of the escape of his master, Socrates? 

The picture of true friendship, as drawn by Virgil in his Nisus and Eury- 
alus, seems like a poet's dream. The scene is laid amid the Trojan and 
Rutulian camps. ^Eneas, the trusted leader of the Trojans, was absent, and 
their enemies were meditating an attack. These youths offered themselves 
as bearers of dispatches to ./Eneas; and Nisus, in a fruitless attempt to save 
his friend Euryalus from the dagger of the mighty Volscens, falls with gaping 
and streaming wounds upon his stricken friend, and, in the warm embrace 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 1 93 

of that mystic cord of Friendship, Charity, and Benevolence, death freezes 
them together in the bonds, of an eternal friendship. 

You need not scan the dust-covered pages of ancient* and mediaeval his- 
tory for these acts that savor of divinity, for here, in our own beautiful land, 
we have an example of physical courage, moral heroism, and pure Pythian 
friendship, more dazzlingly brilliant and enchanting than any ever drawn by 
pen of fiction, or sketched in dramatic art. 

Let the name of Samuel H. Hines be canonized in the heart of every true 
and loyal Knight, for his peerless act of friendship in laying down his life 
in a vain attempt to save a Brother Knight, amid the charred and blackened 
ruins of the " Spotswood Hotel," in Richmond, Virginia, on the morning of 
December 25th, 1870. His memory should be perpetuated in portrait, statue, 
epitaph, and record, as 

" One of the few, the immortal names, 
That were not born to die. 

" Such graves as his are pilgrim-shrines ; 
Shrines to no code or creed confined, — 
The Delphian Vales, the Palestines, 
The Meccas of the mind." 

The moral sublimity of this act is greatly heightened, when we reflect that 
the sacrifice was made in willing obedience to the noblest impulses of the 
heart, imbued with the spirit of Pythian friendship, without the remotest 
hope of temporal reward, or the least tinge of the alloy of selfishness. He 
has written a record of love, truth and duty upon the tablets of living souls, 
that shall be known and cherished when all earthly monuments shall have 
crumbled to dust. 

The clash and din of contending armies had hardly died away in the 
land, and the soldiery — weary, exhausted, and impoverished, after four years 
of civil strife — were turning their faces homeward to mingle again in the in- 
dustrial pursuits of life, almost every home draped with the badges of mourn- 
ing, mothers refusing to be comforted, because some loved one had fallen in 
battle, or his life had ebbed away in camp or a loathsome prison, at the with- 
ering touch of disease or starvation, the widow with bleeding heart and stream- 
ing eyes watching for the return of a loved husband who would never again 
greet her, until they should meet on the shining shore, and with the angriest 
passions consuming them, breathing "fierce oaths and muttering curses on the 
authors of their calamities, when our noble Order spanned the dark clouds 
of civil strife with the rainbow of Hope, and flung its banners to the breeze 
with the glorious trinity of "Friendship, Charity, and Benevolence" 
glittering on its waving lines of beauty, proclaiming " on earth peace, and 
good-will toward man." Our noble founder, Justus Henry Rathbone, with 
his four colleagues, Robert Allen Champion, William Henry Burnett, Edward 
Sullivan Kimball, and David L. Burnett, builded better than they knew, 
17 N 



194 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

when on the 19th day of February, 1864, they organized Washington Lodge, 
No. I, Knights of Pythias, at " Temperance Hall,'' in Washington, D. C. 

Thei-e was almost a total estrangement of feelings and sympathy between 
the people of the North and South, as a sequence to the four years of inter- 
necine war, and, although the actual conflict of arms had ceased, the feelings 
of the contending parties remained unchanged, and the peace proclaimed by 
authority was nominal, and not real. 

True, secret societies have existed for thousands of years, but it was re- 
served to Justus Henry Rathbone to establish an Order based on undying 
friendship, which, after a lapse of twelve years, numbers its one hundred and 
fifty thousand votaries, and whose annual revenues reach one million dollars, 
a growth unparalleled in the annals of secret societies. 

Our Order is " Like a tree planted by the rivers, that bringeth forth his 
fruit in his season; thy leaf shall not wither, and whatsoever thou doest 
shall prosper." 

This associational tendency of human nature is deep and universal, and 
ever since the dawn of creation mankind have banded together in families, 
churches, secret orders, cities, states, and nations, thus forming leagues for 
mutual safety and protection. 

As diversified industry is the secret of a nation's wealth and material pros- 
perity, so these organized charities are the centres of the social system, per- 
fuming the atmosphere about us with gentleness and purity. Like those 
adventurous travellers who are tempted to scale the perilous heights of the 
Alpine mountains, the whole party is bound with a strong cord into one con- 
nected line, and if one falls or grows faint, all the rest hold him up. Every 
man needs the help which comes from the society of the good, the pure, and 
the true. 

On land or sea, at home or abroad, in adversity or prosperity, in sickness 
or health, the true Knight never feels alone, friendless, or forsaken. He 
knows that there are strong hands and sympathizing hearts ever ready to 
shield him from all harm, as the fabulous deities invisibly and secretly fol- 
lowed their favorites in their wanderings, and in the moment of danger un- 
veiled themselves in their awful beauty and power to preserve them from 
harm, or to avenge their wrongs. We treat man as a social being, and do 
not seek to affect his religious faith or his obligations to his family or the 
State. 

In these respects we differ from the Pythagorean Sect, the Eleusinian, 
Cabirian, and Isianic Mysteries. The qualifications for membership, the can- 
didate's long probation, and the awful import of their splendid ceremonies of 
initiation, exercised such a powerful influence over their minds as to exclude 
all other beliefs and theories. 

The lectures and charges that weekly echo through our Castle Halls are 
strong counter-influences to those gilded vices of society that are constantly 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. I95 

tempting the unwary, and ruining the youth of our land. Many a noble 
man's golden visions and brilliant hopes for the future have been darkened 
by the wine-cup. 

We strive to save men from the snares of the wicked, believing, as we do, 
that nothing is so sad in all the world as the fall of a noble, generous, kind- 
hearted young man from the path of virtue, religion, and peace. These 
achievements shall sparkle as richest jewels in the diadem of our grand Order. 
From its high duties and behests it has known no " variableness or shadow 
of turning." 

Ours is a sacred mission, and woe be to the brother who falters. We live 
in an era full of inspiration and animated by the spirit of progress, reform, 
and revolution. 

In the Eastern lands the law of custom is supreme, and the peasant ploughs 
his field, the vintager trains his vines, the shepherd leads his flock, just as 
their fathers have done for a hundred generations. "The unchanged habits 
of the East render it a kind of living Pompeii. The outward appearances, 
which, in the case of the Greeks and Romans, we know only through art and 
writing, the marble, fresco, and parchment ; in the case of the Tewish history 
we know the forms of actual men, living and moving before us, wearing al- 
most the same garb, speaking in almost the same language, and certainly 
with the same general terms of speech, and tone, and manners," In Bible 
lands commerce is still carried on by the camel, the rocking-ship of the desert ; 
the grain is still threshed with the flail and prepared for use with the pestle 
and mortar. 

It was reserved to us of the nineteenth century to witness the grand tri- 
umphs of mind over matter, in the invention of the steam-engine, cotton-gin, 
printing-press, sewing-machine, and telegraph, thus making all the elements 
our obedient servants. Our country, like a throne, is seated above all lands, 
upon the highest region of the globe. Its temple, like itself, is new and 
free and glorious. Its dome is the great open sky, adorned by God's own 
fingers, and lighted by lamps of his own kindling, circled with a cornice of 
his own painting, and animated with clouds moved and gilded by his own 
skill. Its floor is the great continent bordered by seas on either side ; its 
altar is the nation's heart; its music is the cheerful voice of the myriads of 
the free ; its worship is the praise of God ; and there is no image of a God 
within its mountain walls, for the true God is there in spirit. 

Do you doubt but that our country was kept hidden from the avarice, op- 
pression, and ambition of European despots for fifty centuries, that under 
Providence it might become the theatre upon which the problem of civil and 
religious liberty should be solved, as well as the asylum for the oppressed 
and down-trodden of all nations, tribes, and tongues ? The Pilgrims of the 
" Mayflower," leaving homes of affluence and splendor, braved the dangers 
of the deep, the merciless savages of the Western wilds, hunger, disease, 



I96 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

exposure, loss of friends, and all the "ills that flesh is heir to," to establish an 
empire on the broad base of universal liberty, civil and religious. The cru- 
sades had deluged all Europe in blood, to vindicate the right of Christian 
pilgrims to visit the Holy Sepulchre, and finally to rescue Palestine from the 
Saracens. A step was then taken towards the enfranchisement of the human 
mind, and the crusades gave maritime commerce the strongest impulse it had 
ever received, and thus paved the way for an audience for the immortal Luther. 
Like a pebble thrown into the sea, that moves every particle of the vast ex- 
panse of water, so did these struggles of the Middle Ages agitate the entire 
religious world. Little did the Fathers of the Republic think, in their wan- 
derings up and down the rock -bound coast of the Atlantic, of the scenes we 
are now reviewing. 

We have met to-day in the shadow of Independence Hall, where the 
" Magna Charta" of American freedom was signed a century since, within 
hearing distance of the silver tones of old Liberty Bell, that proclaimed free- 
dom to the captive, equality of all men before the law, bearing this glorious 
inscription : " Proclaim Liberty throughout all the Land to all the Inhabit- 
ants thereof," which became the battle-cry of the new-born Republic, whose 
Centennial Anniversary nearly fifty millions of freemen are now celebrating. 

We are standing on consecrated soil, made historic by the toils and sacri- 
fices, baptized with the tears of our forefathers and crimsoned with their 
blood in defence of constitutional liberty, and of a government that derives 
all its just powers from the consent of the governed. By that great instru- 
ment, without money or credit, they pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred 
honor, and redeemed the pledge in a seven years' terrible struggle against 
an empire whose military and naval power was the terror of all rivals, and 
upon whose possessions the sun never ceased to shine. They conquered 

" This sceptred isle, 
This earth of majesty, this seat of Mars, 
This other Eden, demy Paradise, 
This fortress, built by nature for herself, 
Against infection, and the hand of war ; 
This happy breed of men, this little world, 
This precious stone set in the silver sea, 
Which serves it in the office of a wall ; 
Or as a moat defensive to a house, 
Against the envy of less happier lands." 

That which was then a hazardous experiment has become a living reality, 
and the three millions of struggling colonists have increased to nearly fifty mil- 
lions of free and independent people. Those brave and adventurous spirits 
gave us liberty, equality, and fraternity, and stamped eternal infamy on the 
dogmas of the divine right of kings to rule, and of religious intolerance, thus 
paving the way for a pure Christian civilization. 

For one hundred years these doctrines have been tested in the crucible of 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT- BO OK. 1 97 

nullification, civil war, heated political strifes, and unlike thin bubbles, 
bursting and dissolving into the great ocean, like the rock which bounds 
that ocean, at whose feet the billows are destined to break harmlessly for- 
ever. 

The wanderer to our shores from the vines and streams of France, the 
dreary wastes of Siberia, the Emerald Isle, and the skies of radiant Italy, 
and from England's fair homes, are charmed and electrified at our progress 
in art, science, mechanics, agriculture, horticulture, railroads, commerce, 
telegraphy, architecture, manufactures, and political economy, and are led to 
attribute our marvellous growth to some superhuman agency. 

We must educate the mind, and, by developing the social and moral pow- 
ers, make men more fraternal towards each other, else our material wealth 
and prosperity may prove a curse instead of a blessing ; and, as the mariner 
at sea looks to the heavens, to find his place on the pathless deep, so must 
we, to learn our real prosperity, look to the general diffusion of virtue, intel- 
ligence, purity, and faith amongst the people. The defences upon which 
nations can rely for safety in time of peril are not great armies and strong 
fortresses, but the patriotism, virtue, purity, and faith that dwell in the family 
circle and lodge in the private home. 

Our public schools must be kept free from sectai-ian control. Public opin- 
ion is the supreme law here ; higher than institutions and constitutions. It 
makes and unmakes presidents, senators, cabinets, ministers, generals, judges, 
and legislators. Hence, an educated and virtuous yeomanry are our surest 
defence against every domestic and foreign foe. Who can estimate the won- 
derful influence this and kindred secret organizations are now wielding over 
public sentiment to secure the peaceful solution by arbitration of all interna- 
tional and complex political questions. 

The treaty of Washington in 1872 demonstrates to the world, "That wars 
can be avoided, and the most momentous questions settled, by peaceful arbi- 
tration ; and this treaty illustrates the eternal truth, that, out of the differences 
of nations, competent and honest men evolve peace ; and that it is only by the 
incompetency and dishonesty of statesmen of one side or the other, that is, 
their ignorance, their passion, their prejudice, their want of forecast, or their 
wilfully aggressive ambition, that the unspeakable calamities of war are ever 
thrust on the suffering world." 

These principles are fully enunciated by the illustrious William Penn, the 
founder of this colony, in his great treaty of peace with the Indians in 1682, 
to "settle friendships and renew covenants of peace and amity, constituting 
a brotherhood never to be broken," and to this day it has remained inviolate. 
The character of William Penn, and his code of laws, have been themes of 
eulogy for two hundred years. 

" In the early constitutions of Pennsylvania are to be found the distinct 
annunciation of every great principle; the germ, if not the development, of 
17* 



I98 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

every valuable improvement in government or legislation which has been in- 
troduced into the political systems of modern epochs. 

" To him belongs the distinction, destined to brighten as men advance in 
virtue, of first in human history, establishing the law of love as a rule of con- 
duct in the intercourse of nations. 

" His name has become throughout all civilized nations a synonym for 
probity and philanthropy." 

And the generous and humane people of this most magnificent city, the 
"Mecca" of all benevolent Orders, have given tangible form to the pure 
spirit which animated him, in erecting splendid edifices on every hand, for 
public and private charities, schools, colleges, asylums, hospitals, homes, 
refuges, and charitable objects. 

Here, in the " City of Brotherly Love," the groundwork of our own loved 
Order was laid, and our national craft was launched. Here, the delegates 
from the Grand Lodges of the District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, New Jer- 
sey, Maryland, and Delaware, met on May 15th, 1868, to devise a plan to 
organize the Supreme Lodge of the World, and on August nth, 1868, at 
Washington, D. C, their suggestions were confirmed, and our beloved and 
honored Past Supreme Chancellor Read, delivered his inaugural message, 
to wit: 

" Representatives and Brethren : The present moment to us is of 
great interest. You have just elected and installed the officers of the ' Su- 
preme Lodge of the Knights :of Pythias.' The acts of this hour, I trust, 
generations will look back to with pride. Who can presume to estimate fully 
the interests that hang upon the movements of this body to-day. 

" A new moral and benevolent Order of so recent a date, and yet so soon a 
giant. Organized in the city of Washington, D. C, in 1864, by a few gen- 
tlemen, we have now Grand Lodges established in the District of Columbia, 
Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and Delaware, and subordinates in New 
Orleans, Richmond, and New York city. 

" We have, in confidence, established for ourselves a name, and are about to 
take supreme control not only of the United States, but of the world, in 
matters pertaining to this Order. My brethren, it is no small movement ; 
we have taken upon us solemn obligations. If we act well our part, and 
live what we profess, we will be enabled to look forward, at no very distant 
period, and find Lodges of the Knights of Pythias established in the four 
quarters of the globe ; and, too, we can confidently look for the watchful 
care of an ' All-wise Providence,' who is ever ready to assist us in the pro- 
mulgation of principles so well calculated to bind man to man in one com- 
mon brotherhood. 

" My brethren, we are engaged in a great moral battle ; we must fight against 
sin, error, and prejudice, and assist the church of God as co-workers in alle- 
viating the suffering of down-trodden humanity. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 1 99 

" Thanking you, brethren, for the confidence you have reposed in me, I will 
endeavor to appreciate the responsibilities resting upon me. The position 
now held has been in no wise my own seeking, but by your partiality ; there- 
fore, let me have your hearty assistance in performing the arduous duties 
assigned, so that we can the more effectually work in this labor of love. We 
are now ready to proceed to business." 

His words were as " apples of gold in pictures of silver," and seem almost 
like words of inspiration. From that auspicious moment we have gone forth 
conquering and to conquer, and now hold the rank of the third charitable 
Order of earth, and to-day our Centennial praise-offerings ascend to Deity 
from ocean to ocean. 

Whilst the nations are displaying the rich fruitage of their skill, industry, 
and genius at Machinery Hall, Art Gallery, Horticultural Hall, Main Build- 
ing, and Agricultural Hall, in this city of splendor, we point you to sorrows 
assuaged, hunger appeased, tears wiped from the brow of widows and or- 
phans, libraries and bureaus of relief organized, desolate homes made glad 
through the offerings of friendship, charity, and benevolence, the silent vigils 
by the couch of a sick brother, bathing his aching head, calming his fears, 
cooling the parched lips, and in the dread hour of dissolution performing the 
last sad rites. 

The click of our gavel is now heard in nearly every hamlet, village, town, 
and city in America, and, if we are true to our high and holy mission, " we 
shall not fail ! We shall make this a glorious and immortal Order. When 
we are in our graves, our children will honor it. They will celebrate its vic- 
tories for humanity with thanksgiving, with festivity, bonfires, and illumina- 
tions. They will shed tears, copious, gushing tears, not of subjection and 
slavery, not of agony and distress, but of exultation, of gratitude, and joy." 

We shall not fail, because our mothers, wives, and daughters are here with 
approving smiles and words of cheer, and with aid for the good, the pure, 
the humane, more potent than all else save divine influence. The tear that 
moistens woman's cheek at the couch of disease and death, is as pure as the 
dew-drop that sips the fragrance of the morning flower. 

" Not all the sweets Arabia's gales convey, 

From flowery meads, can with that sight compare ; 
Not dew-drops, glittering in the morning ray, 
Seem half so beauteous as that falling tear." 

Remember you, " it is the mother's hand that writes upon the heart the first 
faint characters which, time retracing, deepen into strength, which nothing 
can efface but death or heaven." 

No man should be admitted to membership that would not be a welcome 
guest in your family circle. We must guard well the entrance to our Castle 
Halls. Let no unclean thing enter there. Let those who pass the threshold 



200 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

to join in the mystic rites around our altars have pure hearts and clean 
hands. Our Lodge is our home, where those of congenial tastes and un- 
sullied affections meet for mutual counsel, where the yearning heart finds 
others to trust and to love, and the unuttered wish is understood and an- 
swered, and confiding friends live in each other's lives of common feeling 
and calm delight, rejoicing in prosperity and extending sweet sympathy in 
adversity. 

Life at best, from the cradle to the grave, is but a succession of joys and 
sorrows, smiles and tears, lights and shadows, greetings and partings. 

" So soon treads sorrow on the heels of joy." 

The Millionaire of to-day may be the beggar at your gate to-morrow. Na- 
poleon even fell from his high estate, and died a prisoner and an exile in the 
islet of St. Helena. Marius was banished after having been elected seven 
times Consul of Rome. 

" We all do fade as a leaf," and at last the king and peasant, rich and 
poor, high and low, prince and slave, must all depart by the same gate. 

Our Order is organized, systemized charity, and its kindly offices extend be- 
yond the tomb; its inner, silent history is written rather in heaven than on 
earth. 

Each Knight should be as a block of Parian marble in the magnificent 
Pythian Temple that, like magic, is rising to such majestic proportions under 
the watchful eye and strict surveillance of our present noble Supreme Chan- 
cellor of the World. He will live in deeds, not in words. His firm, humane, 
and efficient administration of our affairs for the past term has fully justified 
the wisdom of your choice two years since. Temperate, unambitious, modest, 
courteous, zealous, abstaining from all the common vices of the age, with a 
heart void of offence toward God and man, he has won golden opinions 
from the press, the people, and Fraternity, for the energy, wisdom, and skill 
displayed in discharging the solemn and weighty responsibilities of our chief 
Executive Officer, and the honest language of our hearts is : 

" Well done, thou good and faithful servant ! " 

No human institution can ever attain perfection, but I beseech of you to 
strive for it. 

" Count that day lost whose low, descending sun 
Views from thy hand no noble action done." 

Truth, charity, spirituality, are the bases of perfect manhood. In the indi- 
vidual man, a just idea gives life, and progress, and glory ; a false conception 
portends disaster, shame, and death. 

Every true Knight should be a living embodiment of all those resplendent 
virtues that have adorned the wise, great, and good of all ages. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 201 

" Trifles light as air make up the sum of human life." 
" 'Tis a little thing 
To give a cup of water ; yet its draught' 
Of cool refreshment, drained by fevered lips, 
May give a shock of pleasure to the frame 
More exquisite than when nectarean juice 
Renews the life of joy in happiest hours." 

You have undertaken to illustrate by your daily walk the genuineness, con- 
stancy, and perennial beauty of friendship. Our prosperity and perpetuity 
will be measured by our devotion to principle. 

"A spotless name, 
By virtuous deeds acquired, is sweeter far 
Than fragrant balms, whose odors round diffused 
Regale the invited guests." 

Charity, the golden chain that reaches from earth to heaven, should be the 
mainspring of every action ; then the " earth would be a paradise, and hell a 
fable." St. Paul places it at the head of all the Christian graces; and we 
make it the keystone of the Pythian superstructure, sustained on either side 
by the pillars of Friendship and Benevolence. 

Republics, empires, and men, under the inexorable law of change and de- 
cay, will sink into the dark sea of oblivion, but the principles of our Ritual 
are eternal. 

" Where are the empires that adorned the world, 

In time's dim vista? Where their haughty kings, 

That glittered in the blaze of antique glory, 

Whose renown eclipsed the sun of the ideal, 

The eyes of the young world bedimmed with splendor, 

And made romance a fable and a dream ? 

Where are their thrones, and palaces, and walls 

With brazen gates, and towers of fretted gold, 

And where those myriad throngs, that lived and toiled 

To mark the greatness of their cruel kings ; 

That blew the trump of fame with folly breath 

To ears of fools ; that trode the verdant plains, 

And whose deeds, emblazoned their scrolls of fame, 

Were writ on sand ? Are they gone, 

To make, and grace, and serve some airy court; 

And have they followers, too? 

A throne there is, methinks, in this our day, 

Of pride, and pomp, and great magnificence, 

Where sits a beauteous queen, and her fair progeny, 

Whose base shall totter in the coming wind." 

But principles will never perish. As long as there are tears to wipe away, 
sufferings to alleviate, orphans to educate, widows to care for, and the weak 
to protect, our noble Order will exist, moving onward and upward, in its 
high and holy mission, with noiseless step, like the rush of an angel's wing. 
Its foundations are laid in God's eternal truth and love. 



MANUAL OF THE K. OF P., 

WITH ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE 

JEWELS, REGALIA, ETC., USED BY THE ORDER. 



M 



The First or Initiatory Rank of Page. 

ANKIND in nearly every undertaking is in the dark at 
the commencement, and dependent upon the wisdom and 
leadership of others. So it is with you before you have 
been initiated into our mysteries. As you believe in a Supreme 
Being, and are of sound health, and have announced your desire 
to be admitted within the portals of our Order, it will be well for 
you to stop and consider the weighty duties that will devolve 
upon you after you have become a member. Be sure that no 
mere idle curiosity or selfish desire to obtain the benefits of the 
Order is leading you to take this step. Remember that when 
you have once taken upon yourself the solemn and binding obli- 
gations, you cannot recede from their demands. There is yet 
time for you to halt should you hesitate in your purpose. 

If it is your desire to proceed, start with every determination 
to be obedient to the requirements of the Order, keeping in view 
the fact that purity of heart and rectitude of conduct are essen- 
tial to admission into the First or Initiatory Rank of Page. 
It is necessary that you should be in the right possession of your 
mental faculties, so that you may be able to comprehend the 
lessons as the increasing light dawns upon your mind. You are 
in the presence of true and tried brethren, who are ready and 
willing to impart to you a portion of their secrets ; be just to 




,,,,</ qr. ,,-/■,,/ ,„>,/ ,, n I h ,,t I ir PAT K X T a/' tie Onkr.benriilft t/.\ iiUfirint .W 

Lo (hand and Subordinate Lodges oi'this chivalric Order, 

'o rr/ <//////■ ,/i vr rt. pm/irr n/fnin / xinl llmf 

FRIENDSHIP^ 
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It. 







COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 203 

them and to yourself, and exercise due care, lest you impart to 
the unworthy that which belongs to the Order. You may be 
called upon to relieve brothers when they are in distress ; when 
you see that one is in danger, it will be your duty to warn and 
do all in your power to aid and succor him; to obey the laws 
of the Order as laid down in the Constitution and By-laws, and 
to the best of your ability live up to all the requirements of the 
Order. But we feel that you will prove true to your promises, 
and will prove a faithful friend in time of need, a good compan- 
ion, and an exemplary Page ; and that your life will always con- 
form to your motto of Friendship. 

But you must press on to a further knowledge of our mysteries ; 
and as Friendship is your motto, practise universal fraternity and 
benevolence to your brothers of the chivalric Order and all wor- 
thy people, no matter where they may live or what may be their 
station in life. Let those virtues expand in your mind until they 
are as broad as the blue canopy of heaven, as obligatory upon 
you as your word of honor, and as spotless as was that of Damon 
and Pythias. But give heed to the lessons that are being im- 
parted, as it will be necessary for you to become proficient in all 
that pertains to this degree, so that you may be able to make 
yourself known to brethren of this Rank. 

From the earliest days of antiquity, friendship has been the 
corner-stone of secret societies. Men have banded themselves 
together in every age for the purpose of practically testing this 
great principle, until at the present time fraternal societies are 
established over the entire earth. One of the most notable ex- 
amples of pure friendship was that of our ancient prototype and 
honored patron, Pythias. Without being solicited on the part 
of Damon, he gave himself up as a hostage for his friend, and 
submitted to imprisonment, so that Damon might hasten to his 
home, which was miles away, to arrange his affairs and bid a 
last, long farewell to his family, ere he was executed by the order 
of Dionysius. Damon pushed forward to his home, and after 
performing his task was on the point of returning, when he dis- 
covered that his slave had slain his horse. This, with other 
adverse circumstances, prevented his arriving as soon as expected. 



204 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Pythias did not murmur, nay, he rejoiced that his friend had been 
belated. The time arrived, and just as Pythias was to be offered 
up for his friend, Damon arrived. Dionysius was struck with 
amazement at such a faithful exhibition of friend- 
ship, and revoked the sentence of death. May 
the teachings of that day remain green in our 
memories, and let us emulate their example in 
our every-day walk, and in our intercourse with 
our fellow-men, so that when we are called upon 
by the grim monster, Death, to accompany him 
through the dark valley, we can do so, conscious 
that we bear no ill will toward any, and those 
we leave behind will bless our memory. 
Regalia. — You are now entitled to wear a blue collar. 




The Second or Armorial Rank of Esquire. 

HAVING served a proper time as a Page, and by your strict 
fidelity to the principles of the Order gained a reputation 
among the members of this chivalric Order and your fel- 
low-men, that will commend you as a proper person to receive 
the Rank of Esquire, we see no reason why you should not pro- 
ceed in your worthy endeavor to be admitted into full fellowship 
with the Esquires, especially should no legal objection be urged. 
As you are an aspirant, you should impress upon your mind the 
necessity for exercising the greatest circumspection, so that you 
may keep inviolate all that is intrusted to your care ; to be al- 
ways ready to warn an Esquire of approaching danger, and to 
render unto him and his family all the aid in your power in the 
hour of their distress. Having fully impressed this upon your 
mind, you should so regulate your life that those beholding your 
acts may say that you are "truly an Esquire indeed." The 
Esquire in the days of chivalry was the shield-bearer or armor- 
bearer to the Knight. He was a candidate for the honor of 
Knighthood, and stood in the same relation to the Knight as the 




[Fnf/tht. Order, bearing its impiini seal 
to Grand and Si i b or d^fl v?F t j^psy6i' thi s chivalric Order. 
to evidence en vy'^TTytft^m&irf/lr-uf / seal that our 



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and thereafter admitted and instructed as of the high . honorable ran/ punt offuded rank o( 

JPi^ST £2£OL^COEILlLOiR. 
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fjrand Jwisdi/dioii of. . — 



Ii (.Testimony whore of.i/r havecausedto be affixed the. official, signatures 
oftheproper officers, attested bythesealot ihe Lodge.. 



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C.C. 

K.of /,'.,(■ S. 




COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 205 

Page did to the Esquire. The Esquire was a gentleman, and 
had the right of bearing arms on his own shield or escutcheon. 
You have been promoted from the rank of Page to that of Es- 
quire, and it will now be necessary for you to keep your honor, 
which is your shield, so bright that he who would reflect aught 
against the purity of your intentions or actions will be blinded 
by the dazzling reflection of your injured honor. 

It is well for mankind in general to be cautious and circum- 
spect in all their dealings, and especially now is it your duty to 
be so. You should be watchful over your actions, lest in an un- 
guarded moment you do that which you would forever regret ; 
exercise discretion, not only in your conversation in the Lodge, 
but in your every-day life ; be careful in the transaction of your 
business, that you may do justice to your employers, customers, 
and yourself; but with all your business be not forgetful to exer- 
cise a watchful care over the interests of your family, that they 
may not be deprived of the necessaries of life, and permit them 
to enjoy such other blessings as are within your 
power to bestow. While you exercise due cau- 
tion and circumspection, be careful that you do 
not prove uncharitable toward the frailties and 
shortcomings of your fellow-men, remembering 
that he who does not show charity toward 
others should not expect it in return. But we 
have no fear but what the lessons that you have 
received will remain indelibly fixed in your 
mind, and that you will exemplify them in your 
every-day life. 

Regalia. — You are now privileged to wear a yellow collar. 




The Third or Chivalric Rank of Knight. 

YOU have been initiated into the Rank of Page, proved in the 
Rank of Esquire, and are now ready to demand admittance 
into the Third or Chivalric Rank of Knight, provided you 
pass a favorable ballot and have the requisite moral courage to 



206 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

persevere. You have already learned the necessity of practising 
Friendship and Charity toward your fellow-men, obedience to 
those in authority, while you are to be always on your guard lest 
you do that which you will regret. You may be required to put 
those virtues to a practical test, and it will be well, before you 
advance further, to consider whether you possess the requisite 
courage to meet and overcome any obstacle that may be in your 
path ; to prove that you possess such a friendship as was exhibited 
by Pythias toward Damon, or the caution displayed by the slave 
of Damon in killing his master's horse. Ponder the subject well 
before you enter into that which you think you cannot fulfil, but 
bear in mind that he who practises the lessons that are taught in 
the preceding degrees, and yields implicit obedience to their 
mandates, will emerge unscathed and be victorious in the end. 

As you have duly weighed the consequences, and still persist 
in your demand to be admitted to the Rank of Knight, pay par- 
ticular attention to all that is said and done, and your mind 
will become enlightened as you advance in its mysteries. The 
lessons of caution that you have learned in the preceding de- 
grees will prevent you from making any unlawful discoveries to 
the uninformed. 

There are times in every man's life when it is necessary for 
him to have full control of all his faculties ; when it is essential 
for him to exercise prudence, caution, and courage. There are 
some who would place obstacles in the way of our advancement, 
or impose tasks for us to perform that it would be impossible for 
us to overcome, or almost certain death for us to attempt. There 
are others, who, from an inborn friendship, are willing to bear 
the burdens and lessen the trials and hardships of their fellow- 
men, even though they be strangers. But life at its best is no 
easy task. Trials and temptations beset us on every hand. The 
king of the powers of darkness is ever on the alert to lead man- 
kind into trouble. All along our pathway are deadly foes, who 
are ready, without a moment's notice or warning of their inten- 
tions, to sting us with their envenomed fangs. The remains of 
our fellows who have fallen by the wayside, surround us on all 
sides in our journey through the wilderness of life ; and human 





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fuivm/i heen in regularfbrm admitted, iiusirurted.tind invested mtJi the work and prerogatives 
of the ■ Supreme, rank of 

bifhc Supreme Lodge ofthe li'or/d '. 
h^Tesliv^qpY^erco(,M'ehayecau.sedto6eaMx^tAeo//uia/sianaturev 

nf'lhe proper ollierrs.atlrstnl In- Hie sen I. uf the Lodge.. 





COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 207 

hyenas are lurking in the pathway of others, anxiously awaiting 
their fall that they may strip them of their possessions. But he 
that is possessed of true bravery and fixed determination of pur- 
pose, is respected and honored by even those who would rejoice 
in his downfall. Keep your eye always fixed on the symbol of 
the Cross, for before it the great arch-enemy of mankind bows 
in mute despair. 

Many of the seeming obstacles of this life that loom up moun- 
tain high before our imagination, prove to be mere mole-hills 
when we attempt to overcome them. We are surrounded by 
seeming dangers, that only need prudence and courage to over- 
come. They are placed here to test our faith, and if we are 
obedient to the mandate of a higher power, and attack them 
bravely, they will vanish like shadows before our sight. 

Having been obedient, and courageously overcome every ob- 
stacle, you are now entitled to our cordial greeting ; you have 
now attained the highest rank that can be bestowed on you in 
the Lodge, and have shown by your example that you are willing 
to obey all lawful mandates, and that you are possessed of both 
moral and physical courage. You are now expected to be bold 
and courageous in defending the rights of a brother ; upholding 
the authority and good name of the Order ; and in practising the 
principles of Friendship, Charity, and Benevolence. He "is 
only truly brave who fears nothing so much as doing a shameful 
action, and dares resolutely and undauntedly go where his duty, 
no matter how dangerous, may call him." What if the unini- 
tiated and skeptical should deride you, stand by your principles 
and your Order ; by so doing you will let the world know that 
any missile hurled at them is the same as being hurled at your- 
self. You thus not only uphold the principles of our beloved 
Order, but you cement yourself in closer bonds of union with 
the Brotherhood. 

We have no fear but what, with the lesson of true courage, as 
taught by Pythias, impressed upon your mind, you will ever be 
ready to extend the strong arm of friendship toward your breth- 
ren, and uphold the truly courageous. 

Regalia. — The regalia of this degree is red. 



208 



THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 



Jewel. — A solid three-inch triangle of white metal, with oval 
escutcheon resting thereon ; the oval escutcheon to be of yellow 
metal, or enamelled in proper emble- 
matic colors. The letters F. C. B. to 
be struck in corners of triangle, or if 
fastened on to be of yellow metal. On 
the back of the triangle is an impress 
denoting its official issuance; also a 
place for the name, number, and loca- 
tion of Lodge to be engraved. The 
holder of the shield is to be of yellow 
metal, with pin or lock for fastening, 
and shield on front for engraving name 
thereon. The jewel is to be worn on 
the left breast (with coat buttoned) in 
sight, or on left side of coat lappel if 
the coat is unbuttoned, but always to be in plain sight. They 
can be worn in Lodge without other working regalia, if the 
Brother is in uniform ; or at any celebration or parade when in 
uniform. If not in uniform, their use is prohibited in any way, 
shape, manner, or form. 




The Subordinate Lodge. 

HOW COMMENCED. 

THE Subordinate Lodge is generally called the working 
Lodge, from the fact that in it the candidates are initiated, 
proved, and charged ; and through it the money is raised 
with which to carry on the great cause of Benevolence. It never 
consists of less than seven members of the Knight Degree, in- 
cluding one qualified to preside. It must have been chartered 
and instituted by the Grand Lodge of the jurisdiction in which 
it is located, or, in case of there being no Grand Lodge, by the 
Supreme Lodge direct. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 



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DIAGRAM SHOWING THE POSITION OF THE OFFICERS AND THE SHAPE OF 

THEIR STATIONS AND THEIR COLORS, VIZ. : 

V. C, blue. P., black. C. C, red. P. C, yellow. 

Should you desire forming a Lodge in your vicinity, the first 
step necessary for you to take is to ascertain how many persons 
can be obtained, who have taken the requisite number of de- 
grees, that are willing to unite with you for that purpose. You 
may do this by private inquiry, or by calling an informal meet- 
ing through the press. Failing to obtain the required number, 
you might be able to get a sufficient number of individuals who 
are not members of the Order to unite with you for the purpose 
of applying for a charter or dispensation. 

Before taking the first step you should be cautious and calcu- 
lating. Cautious as to who you ask to join with you, so that no 
unworthy characters gain admittance to our Order ; or, if there 
are persons who have already attained the exalted position of 
Knight, and have proved themselves unworthy of the name, be 
careful that they do not impose themselves upon you, and gain 
admittance into your young Lodge. Very much is depending 
on the material of the Lodge, especially at starting. Outsiders 
judge the Order by its members, and if you are successful in 
18* O 



2IO THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

obtaining persons who are respectable in every sense of the term, 
you will create a good impression ; if you do not, it will be better 
if you let the project drop before the Lodge is instituted. Cal- 
culate carefully whether the expenses of rent, furnishing a room, 
and obtaining the necessary regalia, etc., will not be too great 
for the number of members you will be able to obtain ; whether, 
after paying these expenses, there is likely to be income enough 
to meet the demands for relief. Make haste slowly, and consider 
every step well beforehand. 

PETITION. 

Having fully determined the above points to your satisfaction, 
and secured the requisite number of qualified persons, your next 
step is to petition the proper authorities — the Grand Chancellor, 
if there is a Grand Lodge in your State ; if not, the Supreme 
Chancellor — for a Charter or Dispensation. 

The Supreme Lodge requires that the expenses of its officers 
be paid by the petitioners, but many of the State Grand Lodges 
pay the expenses of the instituting officer out of their own funds. 

INSTITUTION. 
The Charter or Dispensation for "the organization" of the 
Lodge having been granted, call upon those whom you wish to 
become members, obtain their names and proposition fee ; but 
be sure that you have carefully ascertained as to their character 
and habits, and that the petitioners are unanimous in favor of 
their admission. One bad member will often ruin a Lodge. 
Have your Lodge-room fitted up neatly and comfortably, and be 
sure that it is secure against eaves-droppers. In purchasing your 
regalia and fixtures see that they are of good material and sub- 
stantial. Don't go beyond your means; it is better to com- 
mence down and go up, than to incur expenses that you cannot 
meet ; or if you succeed in meeting them, to have your means 
for doing good curtailed so as to be practically useless. Select 
your officers, and let the officers and members refresh their 
memories in the work if they are already Knights, so that when 
the time comes they will be prepared to go through the ceremo- 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 211 

nies in a proper manner. These and other duties should be 
arranged in time, so that when the day of institution arrives 
there will be no bustle, no confusion. As soon as the Lodge is 
instituted, elect and appoint the officers before agreed upon; 
appoint the committees to report upon the applicants for mem- 
bership, who should be in waiting. Their characters and quali- 
fications having been thoroughly canvassed before, the commit- 
tee will be ready to report immediately. The officers having 
prepared themselves, the initiation, proving, and charging can 
go on with the same system as in an old Lodge. Everything 
passing off harmoniously and in order, you will recollect the day 
of your institution with pride and pleasure. 

FIRST BUSINESS MEETING. 
At the first meeting after institution it would be well to have 
no initiation, as there will, no doubt, be considerable business 
to transact. Have all the bills against the Lodge made out, 
audited by the proper committee, and ordered to be paid out of 
the first funds received. Provision should have already been 
made for a loan to meet the demands, and it will be necessary 
for the Lodge to assume the responsibility. It may be necessary 
for you to continue the present committees, or appoint new ones 
to procure other requisite supplies. The Chancellor Commander 
should see that the officers fully understand their various duties, and 
thus prepare for the prompt transaction of business in the future. 

OPENING LODGE. 

One of the duties taught by our Order is promptness. Both 
officers and members should bear this in mind, and endeavor to 
be at the Lodge-room punctually at the hour stated in the By- 
laws. By so doing late hours for closing will be avoided, and 
all will be able to return to their families in reasonable time. 

At precisely the appointed hour for the convening of the Lodge 
the presiding officer should see that the officers and members are 
in their appropriate regalia. The proper officer should then exam- 
ine those present, to ascertain whether they are all properly qual- 
ified and entitled to remain. At the signal each member should 



2 1 2 THE KNIGHTS OF P YTHIAS 

maintain a respectful silence. Pay strict attention to the recital 
of the duties of the various officers, so that you may know what 
is required of them. Besides, you may be called upon to fill va- 
cancies occasionally, and it will be well for you to learn the 
duties of each office beforehand. But should you have every 
charge committed to memory, you ought to show respect to those 
in office, besides setting a good example to new members. Be 
ready to cooperate with the officers in the discharge of their 
duties, so that harmony and peace may prevail. 

The opening ceremonies over, those who have arrived since 
the time of commencement and are waiting outside may be ad- 
mitted, and the Lodge is ready to proceed to business. 

WORK, WITH ORDER OF BUSINESS. 

Sufficient time having elapsed for those in the ante-room to 
work their way in, the Lodge will proceed to business. There 
is no Order of Business prescribed by the Supreme Lodge, but 
many Lodges have adopted the following. As it is general, we 
will designate some of the items coming under each head. 

1. Roll Call 

i. The name of each officer is called, and the presence or 
absence of each one noted. 

II. Reading Minutes of Previous Meeting. 

i. Should any special or adjourned meetings have been held 
during the week, read them in connection with those of the 
regular meeting. No objections being offered they will stand 
approved as read. 

III. Absentees. 

i . The Secretary will here read the names of the officers who 
were absent at the previous meeting. 

2. He will make a note on the minutes whether the excuses 
offered are accepted by the Lodge, or whether a fine is imposed 
on them for absence. 

IV. Call of Sick Roll. 

i. Announcement of new cases of sickness. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 213 

2. Report of the Relief Committee. 

3. Ordering benefits in favor of those brethren who are enti- 
tled to them, by the Chancellor Commander. 

4. Should any brother need watchers, appoint brethren to 
perform that duty during the coming week, including the next 
Lodge night. 

V. Balloting on Previous Petitions. 

1. Reading of reports of committees on investigation, and 
balloting for each candidate separately. 

2. Balloting for candidates to be proved or charged. 

VI. Conferring Degrees. 

1. Officers and members should take especial care to have 
everything ready, and let each officer be at his post, and perfect 
silence prevail during the conferring of degrees, so that the candi- 
date will be fully impressed with the solemnity of the ceremony. 

VII. Reception of Petitions. 

1. Propositions of candidates received and read. 

2. Accepted, if correct, and committees appointed to investi- 
gate the health, habits, and character of the applicant. 

VIII. Unfinished Business. 

1. Reports of standing committees received and acted upon. 

2. Reports of special committees. 

3. Other business appearing upon the minutes that has been 
laid over from a previous meeting. 

IX. Miscellaneous Business. 

1. Such business as does not come under any of the preceding 
divisions, viz. : communications from the Grand Lodge, from 
sister Lodges, or anything of a miscellaneous character. 

The above or some similar order of business should be ad- 
hered to at all regular meetings, so that everything may be trans- 
acted with as little confusion as possible. If it is necessary to 
depart from it in order to reach some particular business at once, 
a motion can be made to suspend the rules, or to lay on the 
table for the time being each item coming before the one desired. 
When the business thus reached before its turn is transacted, you 



214 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

can return to the regular order again. While system should 
govern all the proceedings of a Lodge, care should be taken that 
brethren do not become cold and formal toward each other. 
Let not anger and dissension arise in your midst, but let respect 
and courtesy govern all your actions. Guard against using sar- 
castic remarks or personalities toward any brother, lest you 
wound his feelings or excite ill-will, but endeavor by every act 
and word to unite all more firmly in the bonds of brotherly love. 
Always take for granted that the brother differing with you, 
intends what is best for the Lodge. 

CLOSING LODGE. 

The business of the evening having been transacted, and suffi- 
cient time having been allowed for any excitement to subside, 
the Lodge will proceed to close. The ceremonies of closing are 
equally as impressive as those at opening, and should be listened 
to attentively by all. You are about to leave the company of 
your brethren and mingle again with the outer world. You 
should put your trust in your Heavenly Father, and ask him to 
shield you from all harm, that you may be able to again meet 
your brethren around the altar of the Lodge-room. 

WORK OUT OF THE LODGE. 

Do not think that when Lodge closes your work is done. The 
work in the Lodge-room is very little when compared with 
that which you are expected to perform outside. It is but the 
preparation-room, where the lessons of charity and benevo- 
lence are instilled into your mind, that you may practise them 
toward your brethren and toward the outer world. It is the 
drill-room, where you are drilled in the manual of moral warfare, 
that you may successfully battle against the immorality and self- 
ishness of the world. If you are an officer, there are many duties 
for you to perform. You are to visit the sick and distressed ; 
the widow and orphan are to be attended to ; they may need aid 
or counsel, perhaps both. It is your duty to see that none suffer. 
If on a committee, you should attend to whatever business is 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 215 

assigned you, and be ready to report at the next meeting of the 
Lodge, or when called upon. But whether you are an officer, 
committee-man, or member, you are to carry the principles of 
brotherly love into your every-day life, and exercise them toward 
your fellow-men. 

FORM OF MINUTES. 

Much depends upon the manner in which the records of a 
Lodge are kept. It is important that they should be correct, 
written in a plain, neat handwriting, and in such a manner that 
any particular business, occurring in the past, may be referred 
to in a moment. In order to do this, the Keeper of Records 
and Seal should have a memorandum or pencil book, in which 
he can take down the proceedings as they occur. After the 
minutes have been approved, let him copy them into the regular 
minute book. It is of the latter we wish to speak in this place. 
The By-laws of the Lodge should be written either in the front 
or back part of the book, the front would be the best, leaving 
enough space to add all amendments or additions that may be 
made. The record of each meeting should commence at the 
head of a page, with the name and number of the Lodge, and 
the date on which the meeting is held. Leave a blank space 
of about an inch and a half at the right side of the page, so that 
you may name the subject of each paragraph. A blank line 
should also be left between each subject. It may take more 
paper, but the time saved in referring back to former proceed- 
ings, will abundantly repay for the small extra outlay. After the 
reading of the minutes of the previous meeting, and their ap- 
proval, place the names of absentees, also the names and ex- 
cuses, if they offer any, of those who were absent at the previous 
meeting, and the action of the Lodge ; you will thus have them 
so that they can be easily found should any question arise as to 
persons having served the required number of nights, or whether 
they have been excused for their absence by the Lodge. It is not 
necessary that every unimportant motion, that is unsuccessful, 
should be recorded ; but every important motion, whether passed 
or not, should be entered upon the minutes, with the action 



2l6 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

of the Lodge. Letters and other important papers should be 
mentioned, with their substance and number. The paper itself 
should be folded, numbered, nature and date written on one end, 
and filed away, so that it may be referred to without loss of time. 
The sum total of the receipts for the evening should be embraced 
in the minutes, just before the signature of the Keeper of Records 
and Seal. In no case should the Lodge allow any motion or 
resolution, passed by it, no matter how wrong in spirit or in 
law, to be omitted, changed, or erased. It is a part of the 
records of the Lodge, and must remain so. The Lodge can 
rescind or annul the action if it chooses. In that case both 
should appear upon the minutes. 

SYNOPSIS OF PARLIAMENTARY LAW. 

The Supreme Lodge has decided that Cushing's Manual shall 
be the authority in rules of order, so far as it does not conflict 
with the laws of the Order. Every member should acquaint 
himself with the rules governing legislative bodies, so that he 
may be able to take part in the proceedings of his Lodge. It is 
expected that the officers will study the Manual until they 
become versed therein ; but for the benefit of those members 
who have not the time, and do not wish to make the subject a 
study, we will give a brief synopsis of the principal parliamen- 
tary rules. 

i. It is the duty of the presiding officer to preserve order and 
decorum ; to announce the business of the Lodge in the order in 
which it is to be acted upon ; to receive and submit all motions 
and propositions presented by the members ; to put to vote all 
questions which are regularly moved, or necessarily arise in the 
course of the proceedings, and to announce the result ; he may 
speak to points of order in preference to other members, rising 
from his seat for that purpose ; he shall decide questions of order 
without debate, subject to an appeal to the Lodge ; before giving 
his decision he may, if he choose, take the opinion of other 
members, but when ready to give his opinion no one can deter 
him by claiming the right to be first heard. When two or more 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 217 

members rise to speak at the same time, he shall decide which is 
entitled to the floor. 

2. Every member, however humble he may be, has the same 
right with every other, to submit his propositions to the Lodge, 
to explain and recommend them in discussion, and to have them 
patiently examined and deliberately decided upon by the Lodge. 

3. No member has a right to disturb or interrupt another 
while speaking, except to call him to order ; nor when a member 
is speaking to pass between him and the Chair, leave the hall, or 
entertain private conversation. 

4. Every member, when he wishes to speak, shall rise and re- 
spectfully address the presiding officer, and, after he has been 
recognized by the Chair, proceed with his remarks. While 
speaking, he shall confine himself to the question under debate 
at the time, avoiding all personality or indecorous language, as 
well as any reflection upon the Lodge or its members. When 
he gives way for another to make an explanation, he cannot 
resume without the consent of the Lodge. 

5. No one shall speak more than once upon the same question 
until all the members wishing to speak have had an opportunity ; 
after that he may speak again by leave of the Lodge. 

6. When a member is called to order by the Chair, he shall 
take his seat until the question of order is determined, when the 
Chair shall direct him to proceed with his speech. 

7. Every question must receive a second, and be stated by the 
Chair before it can be debated. 

8. When a question is before the Lodge no motion can be 
made except to adjourn, to lie on the table, the previous ques- 
tion, to postpone, either indefinite or to a certain day, to com- 
mit, or to amend, which shall severally have preference in the 
order named. 

9. A motion to adjourn cannot be made while a member is 
speaking, neither can a motion to adjourn be renewed until some 
business has been transacted after the first motion for that pur- 
pose. In the absence of any rule to the contrary, a motion to 
adjourn cannot be debated or amended, except when made for the 
purpose of stopping a debate or to suppress a question. A motion 

19 



2l8 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

to adjourn, when not in the regular order of business of the 
Lodge, is usually made in this form : " I move that we suspend 
the order of business, and proceed to close." 

10. When a blank is to be filled, and different sums, numbers, 
or dates shall be proposed, the question shall first be taken upon 
the highest sum or number, and longest or latest date. 

ii. The first person named on a committee shall act as chair- 
man thereof until another is chosen by themselves. 

The above are a few of the essential points necessary to be ob- 
served in the transaction of Lodge business, in order to have the 
proceedings pass off "decently and in order." It will be well 
for officers and members to recollect that — 

" The great purpose of all rules and forms, is to subserve the 
will of the assembly, rather than to restrain it; to facilitate, and 
not to obstruct, the expression of thier deliberate sense." — 
Cushing. 



Duties and Deportment of Knights. 

EACH Knight, when he was admitted, took upon himself an 
obligation to perform certain duties. There are others, 
that are not expressed in words, but which are equally 
obligatory upon every member by virtue of his being a Knight. 
It is upon these that we wish to offer a few remarks in this place. 

LODGE ATTENDANCE. 

Regular attendance at Lodge meetings is a duty that a Lodge 
has a right to expect of every member, when it does not conflict 
with that which he owes to his family or business. There are in 
all Lodges a few zealous members, who, by their lives, show that 
they became members of the Order from their love for the prin- 
ciples it inculcates, and who are willing to do their part in the 
work. These are always present, rain or shine, unless prevented 
by sickness. They do more than their share in the cause. 

There are others, who, for a while, did bravely; they were 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 219 

present in season and out of season ; their brothers, seeing their 
devotion, elected them to office and conferred the highest honor 
in the Lodge upon them. After they had passed the Chairs 
their zeal suddenly cooled down ; they stayed away occasionally, 
and ere a great while they did not come at all, except to pay 
their dues, and very often they send them by some one else. 
They forget the principles of the Order, and lose all interest in 
the business of their Lodge. Not that the principles of the 
Order are not the same, or that the business is not equally as in- 
teresting as before. They have accomplished the object for 
which they started, and have no further use for the Order, except, 
perhaps, to get benefits in case of sickness. Such are generally 
the first to complain if neglected in case of sickness, or if the 
benefits are not paid them the moment they are due. Some, 
again, fail to attend, more from carelessness than from any inten- 
tion to neglect their duty. To those who are absent on account 
of family duties or business, we have nothing to say, only to at- 
tend as often as possible. 

Brethren, it is a duty that we owe to ourselves and to each 
other to be present at the regular meetings of our Lodge when- 
ever it is within our power. It is there that we become more 
familiar and learn to know each other better. Unless we become 
acquainted with the members of our own household it is impos- 
sible to practise that sociability, that friendship towards each 
other of which we boast. There is work for each one to do, and 
those who do not attend impose their share upon those who are 
more faithful to their obligations. There is business to be trans- 
acted, and money to be expended, in which each member has an 
interest. You should be there to assume your share of the 
responsibility ; to give the brethren the benefit of your knowledge 
and experience. Especially is it your duty if you are a Past 
officer, for it was through the kindness of your brethren that you 
obtained the knowledge and experience of the affairs of your 
Lodge. They have honored you ; try and show them that you 
appreciate their kindness. It is no wonder that many outsiders 
have their doubts as to the Order, and many young members 
falter at the start, when they see so many of the older Knights 



220 THE KNIGHTS OE PYTHIAS 

derelict in their attendance. What a grand revival there would 
be in the cause were each member to make it a point to be 
present at each meeting. There would be no complaint then of 
dull meetings. 

See to it, brethren, that you " neglect not the meeting of your- 
selves together," and thus become recreant to the principles of 
our institution. 

DUES. 

The prompt payment of dues is a duty that every Knight owes, 
not only to his Lodge, but to his family. It is impossible for the 
Lodge to pay its current expenses, and meet the demands of its 
sick and distressed, without funds. And it is upon the small 
amount due from each member that the Lodge is dependent to 
meet these obligations. We are too apt to think that the small 
sum due from us will make no difference — that three months after 
it is due will be in plenty time. Perhaps it would make no par- 
ticular difference were there only one person to think that way; 
but where there are a number of the same opinion, it may prove 
disastrous to the Lodge. But even if it should not retard the 
business of the Lodge, there are others who have a right to de- 
mand that you keep your dues promptly paid in advance. Your 
wife and children are depending upon you for their support, and 
it is your duty, while in life and health, to make provision for 
them, so that they will not suffer, should sickness or death over- 
take you. " Procrastination is the thief of time," is a trite but 
true saying. We are continually seeing its truthfulness verified in 
our Order. There is scarcely a week that passes but what we hear 
of some brother who has met with an accident or been taken 
sick, and when his name is announced in the Lodge he is found 
to be in arrears with his dues, perhaps only a few days. There 
are but few of our older members who cannot relate some partic- 
ular case of hardship, the result of carelessness on the part of a 
brother in not paying his dues. Brothers, be prompt in attend- 
ing to this matter. Do not wait until the very last night. It 
would be better to have your dues paid a year in advance than 
be a few days behind time. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 221 

DEBATE. 

Every brother should take some part in the transaction of the 
Lodge business. The Lodge is a school-room, and many young 
men have obtained their first experience in debate and parlia- 
mentary usage at its meetings. Speak whenever you think that 
you can say anything to the point, or wish to express your views 
upon any subject before the Lodge, not for the mere purpose of 
debate or opposition, but to improve yourself and to overcome 
your diffidence. If you do not learn to speak upon the small 
affairs, you will never be able to take part in the discussion on 
weightier questions. Study well the different subjects coining 
up before the Lodge ; and should you take part in their discus- 
sion, see if you cannot throw additional light upon them ; clothe 
your ideas in as choice language as is at your command, but do 
not use what are termed big words when there are simpler ones 
with the same meaning. Avoid giving offence to others, either 
on account of their opinion or motives, remembering that all can- 
not see alike, and that every one is entitled to his opinion and 
has a right to be heard. Do not allow your temper to become 
ruffled, but keep cool and collected. You will be better able to 
express your thoughts, and will have a greater influence upon 
your brethren. When you have said all that you can upon a 
subject, take your seat. Do not attempt to repeat your words, 
otherwise you will weary the brethren, and your remarks will lose 
their effect. If you succeed in obtaining an easy and correct 
style of delivery, so that you can speak well and to the point on 
every subject in which you have an interest, you will have 
gained an accomplishment which you will never have cause to 
regret. 

CORRECT WORKING. 
There is nothing of greater advantage for the general promo- 
tion of the interests of the Order, than correct working in the 
Lodge. In order to have correct work, it is necessary for each 
officer and member to understand well what is expected of him, 
and to endeavor to perform his part to the best of his ability. 
There is nothing that disgusts a visitor so much as to visit a 
19* 



222 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Lodge during Initiation, or Conferring of Degrees, and see the 
officers read their charges and do everything else in a careless, 
bungling manner. The candidate fails to be impressed with the 
solemnity of the occasion, and, as a matter of course, will not 
be able to realize to the full extent the responsibility that he is 
assuming. The visitors, and even members of the Lodge, stay 
away. This should not be. Members should be careful not 
to elect any one to office who is not fully qualified, no matter 
if he is a " good fellow." Installing officers should require that 
every one be able to deliver the various charges of the office to 
which he is elected before he is installed. Some may urge poor 
memories as an excuse. There are none who cannot commit 
three or four lines a day. Let them do that, and they will be 
astonished to find how soon they will have their charges fully 
committed. The presiding officer should require that each officer 
he prompt in the performance of every duty devolving upon him. 
The opening, closing, conferring of Degrees, and other work will 
then be made impressive and have the desired effect, not only on 
candidates, but upon all who attend. There is nothing that will 
attract brothers to the Lodge-room, or make them feel a pride in 
their Lodge, so much as the performance of the business and 
work without blundering. 

We presume that every Knight is fully impressed with the ne- 
cessity of having the signs, passwords, etc., correct. They are 
the key that unlocks the combination lock. By them he expects 
to gain admittance to his own and sister Lodges, or to prove 
himself when among strangers. He should, therefore, be careful 
to keep himself bright, so that he may be ready to prove that he 
is a Knight beyond a doubt whenever necessary. 

VOTING AND BALLOTING. 

As the business of the Lodge interests all, no member should 
fail to express his views or choice by voting on every subject 
that may arise, especially on the admission of new members. 
No one has the right to avoid his share of the responsibility. 
The secret ballot was instituted to allow each individual the ut- 
most freedom in the expression of his will. It is the strongest 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 223 

guarantee of the Order. No one can rightfully charge another 
with responsibility for its verdict when the result is contrary to 
his wishes. By it the most timid is enabled to vote as he thinks 
right, without fear of any one betraying his vote to the candi- 
date, or of offending the friends of the petitioner. No one 
should fear to use the black ball when he thinks the candidate is 
unworthy. But before doing so, examine well into your objec- 
tions. Be sure that they do not arise from personal spite or 
hatred, or on account of his religion or politics, or because some 
friend of yours has been rejected. He who would employ the 
black ball as an instrument of revenge is unfit to be a member of 
the Order. You have no right to injure the character of a person 
in any way. After examining into your objections, should you 
find that there is nothing against the candidate beyond your own 
personal dislike, do not fail to vote for him ; but if you find that 
he is not possessed of a good moral character, or does not come 
up to the other requirements of the Order, it is your duty to cast 
a black ball. 

The secrecy of the ballot for candidates should be maintained. 
No brother has a right to tell how he voted, for by so doing the 
very object of the secrecy is defeated. 

DUTIES TO SELF, FAMILY, AND OTHERS. 

No one can be a good Knight if he is unfaithful to the duties 
he owes to himself, his family, and to others. He is expected 
to be a good husband, a good father, a good neighbor, and a 
good citizen. Selfishness is one of the great sins of the age, and 
to banish it from the face of the earth is one of the leading 
objects of our association. But there are certain duties that 
every one owes to himself and family, the failure to perform 
which is a sin. He must not neglect his business, or suffer his 
affairs to become embarrassed ; to waste his time in idleness ; or 
to recklessly expose his health. He is bound to look after the 
welfare of his family ; to devote a portion of his time to them. 
He who neglects his wife and children upon the plea of attending 
to Lodge affairs, has failed to profit by the first lessons of the 
Order, and does us an injury instead of good. They have the 



224 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

first claim upon his time. Then there are duties which he owes 
to his neighbors and fellow-citizens, irrespective of their connec- 
tion with the Order. He cannot perform these duties unless he 
is law-abiding, and practises the Golden Rule toward all. He 
must be willing to assist his fellow-men in sickness or distress ; 
deal gently with the frailties of others, and endeavor to set them 
an example by his own life and conduct. He must be honest, 
cautious, and prudent in all his transactions; in a word, he must 
be a gentleman in every sense of the word. 



Committees. 



THERE is a large amount of time saved to Lodges by refer- 
ring important business to committees, and the Lodge, as a 
general rule, coincides with the report of the committee. 
It is very important, therefore, that none but live, active work- 
ers, possessing sound judgment, should ever be placed upon a 
committee ; and if a careless, indolent person gets on, no matter 
what his rank, make him do his share of the work, for no one 
has any more right to appropriate credit for work that he did not 
do, than he has to take money belonging to another. But the 
presiding officer should be careful not to appoint the same 
brother upon more than one committee at a time. It is a well 
known fact that where a brother has an office or some other duty 
to perform, he always takes a greater interest in the business of 
the Lodge. If you divide the offices and committees, you will 
make two or three work instead of one ; thereby compelling 
them to attend the meetings, and show an interest in the work 
and business of the Lodge. 

GENERAL DUTIES OF COMMITTEES. 

A committee is a miniature assembly, and its business should 
be conducted as nearly as possible in the same manner. The 
Lodge has the right to state the time and place of meeting of a 
committee, but when no directions are given it may select its 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 225 

own time and place; except that it cannot sit during Lodge 
hours without permission. The first person named on a com- 
mittee acts as its chairman, at least until the first meeting, and 
he is generally permitted to do so during the continuance of the 
committee. But as every committee has a right to elect its own 
chairman, the person first named should require them to elect a 
person to that position. This done, the committee should pro- 
ceed to the consideration of the business referred to it. Should 
it be necessary to hold more than one meeting, fix upon the 
time and place, and let each member be prompt in his attend- 
ance. If any fail, the chairman should impress the necessity of 
punctuality upon their minds ; that having no effect, report their 
neglect to the Lodge. No one has a right to waste the time of 
others in keeping them waiting to suit his convenience, or to 
impose upon them his share of labor. When the committee has 
finished the business, and agreed upon a report on the subject 
referred to them, let it be drawn up in a clear and lucid manner, 
so that every one can understand it, and present it to the Lodge 
at its next meeting. 

INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE. 

The duties devolving upon this committee are of more impor- 
tance than those of any other. Especially is this the case in 
large cities, where persons are often proposed, of whom, perhaps, 
no one in the Lodge, except the proposers, has ever heard. In 
such cases the Lodge has to rely to a great extent upon the 
report of the committee ; if they attend to their duty, and 
thoroughly investigate the health, habits, character, and even 
peculiarities of the candidate, and report favorably, he will 
probably make a good acquisition. We say probably, from the 
fact that, with all their caution, committees can be deceived 
occasionally. But if they have been careless, as is too often the 
case, you run a great risk of getting unworthy persons as mem- 
bers who will bring reproach upon the Order. Brothers in their 
desire to propose the greatest number of persons as candidates, 
and Lodges, especially new ones, in their eagerness to increase 
their membership, do not guard the portals of the Order as they 

P 



226 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

should. They forget that strength does not lay in numbers, and 
that one bad member is capable of doing much harm — of even 
breaking up a Lodge sometimes. A man may be the soundest 
of the sound, and the strictest of the strict, so far as health and 
morality are concerned, and yet, by his disagreeable disposition, 
have a Lodge in continual hot water before he has been a mem- 
ber six months. Each member of an investigating committee 
should not only make inquiries of the neighbors, but should see 
the candidate in person. Then, after being satisfied as to the 
health and character of the petitioner, and before signing a 
favorable report, he should ask himself: Has he a good disposi- 
tion? Will he make a good friend and companion? Am I 
willing to associate with him out of the Lodge as well as in it ? 
Am I willing that he shall visit my home when I am sick? or, 
in case of my death, am I willing that he should be adviser or 
counsellor to my bereaved wife and children ? Remember that 
when he is once in the Lodge, he may, in the course of time, act 
in all these capacities. It will be too late after he has been ad- 
mitted, to stop and think of these things. He will then be on 
an equal footing with yourself, and you will be bound to recog- 
nize him as such. If you cannot report favorably, go to the 
brothers who recommended the candidate and give them a 
chance to withdraw his petition. 

COMMITTEE ON FINANCE. 
This committee is generally composed of three members, who 
are appointed by the Chancellor Commander on the night of 
his installation. It is their duty to examine all bills against the 
Lodge to see that they are correct. In order to do this they 
should have a general knowledge of business, that they may de- 
tect any overcharging, and judge whether the work or article 
purchased is what was ordered. They should be punctual in 
attendance, so that the Lodge, and perhaps others, may not be 
put to inconvenience. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 227 

AUDITING COMMITTEE. 

This committee is appointed on the last meeting night of each 
term, for the purpose of examining the books of the financial 
officers of the Lodge. The members composing it should under- 
stand book-keeping, so that they can discover any error that may 
have occurred, and be able to judge whether the books are kept 
in a systematic manner. They should examine every item, and 
report to the Lodge the exact condition in which they find the 
books. " 

COMMITTEE TO VISIT THE SICK. 
This committee usually consists of the Chancellor Commander 
and Vice Chancellor, but in some Lodges others are added. It 
would be well to have five on the committee, besides the prin- 
cipal officers, so as to have one to visit the sick brother each day. 
Members of the committee should time their visits to suit the 
most convenient hours of the family, and to meet the best inter- 
vals of the patient. If you are permitted to see the sick brother, 
do not worry him by talking too much, or upon exciting sub- 
jects. Let your conversation be such as to cheer him up and 
make him forget his pain. Do not make your visits too long. 
If the brother is very sick, from three to five minutes is long 
enough. 

TRUSTEES. 

In the choice of no officer in our Subordinate Lodges should 
there be more care exercised than in the election of persons to 
serve as trustees. The standing of a Lodge depends, to a great 
extent, on its financial ability to meet its obligations, and it is an 
established fact that the average amount of Lodge receipts, de- 
grees, and dues, will but barely cover the various expenses, such 
as sick and funeral benefits and current expenses of the Lodge, 
except when the Lodge is young, and its membership young and 
healthy ; and the Lodge that fails to invest its surplus funds in 
its youth, so as to yield an income, will find it hard work to keep 
its head above water as it advances in years, and the majority of 
its members become old and infirm. The majority of Lodges 
rely upon the judgment of their financial officers, and only 



228 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

authorize investments in accordance with their recommenda- 
tions. If the Trustees look to the interests of the Lodge, and 
see that every dollar of the Lodge funds brings something into 
the treasury, the Lodge is very sure to succeed ; but if they are 
dilatory and nonchalant as to their duty, and let the surplus 
funds lie idle in the hands of the Treasurer, the chances are that 
as the members grow old, and sickness and disability increase, 
the small surplus that has accrued will dwindle away, and the 
Lodge will be unable to meet its obligations to its members. 
The members, seeing a bankrupt treasury, will begin to draw 
their cards or allow themselves to be dropped. Every hundred 
dollars promptly invested is worth more, financially, than a new 
member; while it brings into the Lodge treasury as much every 
year as a member, it takes nothing out in the shape of sick benefits. 
The Lodge should allow enough, and only enough, to remain in 
the hands of the Treasurer to meet its immediate wants ; the sur- 
plus should be transferred to the Trustees for investment ; and 
since, as we before remarked, the majority of Lodges rely upon 
their Trustees as to the manner of investing, great care should be 
taken that none but competent brethren are elected to that office. 
They should be wide awake and thoroughly practical busi- 
ness men, who know when and how to make investments to 
the best advantage. They should also be men in whom the 
business world would have confidence. No brother should 
accept the office unless he feels himself qualified, and is will- 
ing to devote time and care to the performance of his trust. He 
should be as careful of the interests of those who confide in him 
as he is of his own. He should see that the accruing interest is 
collected as soon as it is due, and have it invested. Our system 
of dues and benefits is based upon compound interest, and if it 
is not carried out the Lodge will fail to meet its obligations. 

RELIEF COMMITTEES. 
As the Supreme Lodge has recommended that Relief Commit- 
tees be established in all towns or cities where two or more 
Lodges are located, a few remarks concerning these Committees 
will not be inappropriate at this place. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 22g 

It is the duty of Relief Committees to look after sick or dis- 
tressed brothers, to pay them their benefits, or make donations 
or loans. They are found to answer the purpose for which they 
are established, and to perform the work much better than when 
it is left to individual Lodges. In large cities, where there is no 
Relief Committee, the burthen of relieving transient brothers 
generally falls on those Lodges most centrally located ; whereas, 
if there is a Relief Committee, the burthen falls on all alike, as 
the Committee obtains the necessary funds to carry out the ob- 
jects of its appointment by assessments on the Lodges in the 
place where the Committee is located, according to their mem- 
bership. The Committees are composed of one or more repre- 
sentatives from each Lodge in the place, who are elected or 
appointed for a specified time — generally six months or a year. 
Lodges should endeavor to make as few changes as possible in 
their representatives, as the longer a brother acts in that capac- 
ity the better qualified he becomes to discharge the required 
duties and to detect impostors. The Committee should have a 
President, Secretary, and Treasurer. It can have other officers 
if it deems proper. The officers perform such duties as are 
required of them by the Committee. The Secretary should 
understand book-keeping and be a good penman, as he is 
required to keep the minutes, accounts, and do all the corre- 
sponding for the Committee. At the end of each term he should 
make a report to the Lodges of the transactions of the Commit- 
tee. If the reports are printed, it would be an act of courtesy to 
send copies to the Grand Lodge, to the other Relief Committees 
of the Order, and to each Lodge to whose member the Com- 
mittee has granted aid during the term. The Committee should 
have a seal to be used by the Secretary on all letters or other offi- 
cial documents of the Committee. 

In large cities, where there is much sickness, it would be well 
for the Committee to district the city, appointing at least one 
member to each district, who should visit the sick in their respec- 
tive districts once a week, or oftener if the case requires it. 

In making loans or donations the Committee should require 
the applicant to present satisfactory evidence that he is a member 



23O THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

in good standing. Where there are Relief Committees of other 
societies in the same place, it would be well for all to work in 
unison, to a certain extent at least. When the person asking for 
aid states that he belongs to two or three societies the Relief 
Committees of the other Orders should be consulted, and the 
desired amount raised between them.. Should the party not state 
that he is a member of another Order, and you grant him aid, 
notify the other committees of the fact at once, and when the 
other committees grant relief let them return the compliment. 
In this manner each will be able to save considerable money in 
the course of the year. When a committee detects an impostor, 
it should immediately notify every other Relief Committee and 
the publications of the Order. It would also be well to notify 
the Lodges in the smaller towns in the direction the impostor is 
supposed to have taken. This can be done by having the in- 
formation printed on postal cards or circulars, always giving a 
description of the party. Names do not amount to much, as 
they may be changed at every stopping place. Wherever there 
is a Relief Committee, all applicants for aid should be sent to it. 



Appointive Officers. 



THE officers of a Subordinate Lodge are divided into elective 
and appointive. The appointive officers are four Attend- 
ants, Outer Guard, Inner Guard, and Master-at-Arms. In 
some States the latter is an elective office. These are appointed 
by the Chancellor Commander on the night of his installation. 
Any Knight having served one full term in an appointive or 
elective office is eligible to the chair of Vice Chancellor. The 
general and special duties of each officer are defined in the 
charge-books and in the constitution of each jurisdiction, but we 
will enumerate the most important of them, together with the 
regalia and station of each officer. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT- BOOK. 



231 



ATTENDANTS. 

Jewel. — A three-inch triangle with flaming torch, all of white 
metal. 

Regalia. — A plain red collar. 





Duties. — To assist the sitting Past Chancellor in preparing 
the room for the conferring of ranks, and to perform such other 
duties as may be required. 



OUTER GUARD. 

Jewel. — A three-inch triangle with a sword, all of white 
metal. 

Regalia. — A collar of scarlet velvet, 
trimmed with silver lace border half- 
inch wide. 

Station. — In the ante-room, outside 
of the inner door, and to take charge 
of the outer door. 

Duties. — The Outer Guard has 
charge of the ante-room, and upon his 
fidelity depends the safety of the Lodge. It is his duty to admit 
no one who is not in possession of the semi-annual password, 
unless authorized by the Chancellor Commander ; to see that 
brethren clothe themselves in proper regalia; to take charge of 




23: 



THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 



the regalia, and to perform such other duties as are prescribed 
in the Ritual, and the Chancellor Commander may direct. 



INNER GUARD. 

Jewel. — A three-inch triangle with crossed swords, all of 
white metal. 

Regalia. — Same as Outer Guard. 

Station. — At the inner door and near 
the Vice Chancellor. 

Duties. — To allow no one to enter 
the Lodge who is not clothed in the ap- 
propriate regalia of his rank, and who is 
not in possession of the password, unless 
authorized to do so by the proper officer, 
and to obey the commands of the Chancellor Commander. 




MASTER-AT-ARMS. 



« 



Jewel. — A three-inch triangle, with lance, battle-axe, and 
sword, all of white metal. 

Regalia. — Same as Outer Guard. 
Station. — At the right, and in front 
of the Chancellor Commander. 

Duties. — This is the most important 
of the appointive offices. The Master- 
at-Arms has charge of the properties of 
the Lodge, and is responsible for the 
safe-keeping thereof. He must examine 
every person in the room before the Lodge is opened, and 
report the result of such examination to the Chancellor Com- 
mander. He is to receive and conduct all candidates during 
the ceremonies of initiation, proving and charging in the 
different grades of Rank, and perform such other duties as are 
required of him by the Ritual. The incumbent of this office 
should be active, attentive, and obliging. He should also be 




COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT- BO OK. 233 

possessed of a good memory, so that he will not have to refer 
to the charge-book when required to perform any duty or to de- 
liver a charge. 



Elective Officers. 



THE elective officers of the Subordinate Lodge are Keeper of 
Records and Seal, Master of Finance, Master of Exchequer, 
who are generally elected annually at the last meeting in 
December; and the Prelate, Vice Chancellor, and Chancellor 
Commander, who are elected semi-annually on the last meeting 
night in June and December. In some States the Master-at- 
Arms is an elective officer. Any Knight in good standing is 
eligible to every appointive and elective office in the Lodge, ex- 
cept Vice Chancellor and Chancellor Commander. One term in 
an appointive or elective office is requisite to be eligible to the 
office of Vice Chancellor ; and one term as Vice Chancellor to 
that of Chancellor Commander. The Chancellor Commander, 
by virtue of service in that office till the end of the term, be- 
comes Past Chancellor. Each officer is required to serve till the 
end of the term, in order to be entitled to the honors of his office; 
should he resign, the honors go to his successor. 

There are general duties required of each officer in the Ritual. 
There are also special duties that vary in different jurisdictions. 
Our space will permit us to mention only the most important. 
It is expected that each officer will study the laws of his jurisdic- 
tion, and the Ritual, so that he will be thoroughly conversant 
with his duty. . 

KEEPER OF RECORDS AND SEAL. 

Jewel. — A three-inch triangle with crossed pens, all of white 
metal. 

Regalia. — A collar of scarlet velvet, trimmed with silver lace 
border. 

20* 



234 



THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 



€-m sim-:m 




Station. — At the head of Lodge-room, and on the right hand 
of the Chancellor Commander. 

Duties. — It is the duty of the Keeper of Records and Seal to 
keep a just and impartial record of all 
proceedings of the Lodge ; conduct all 
its correspondence ; make out semi-an- 
nual returns and transmit the same to 
the Grand Lodge of his jurisdiction; 
also to transmit to the Grand Keeper 
of Records and Seal a list of the sus- 
pensions, withdrawals, and reinstate- 
ment of members, and perform such 
other duties as may be prescribed by the constitution and by- 
laws of his Lodge. The seal of the Lodge is in his keeping, and 
no one else (except the Master of Finance, in stamping official 
receipts for dues) has a right to use it, and he only on docu- 
ments authorized by the Lodge. No one is privileged to inter- 
fere with the books and papers of his office, except the Chancellor 
Commander, D. D. Grand Chancellor, and Grand Chancellor 
of his jurisdiction. But he should be always ready and willing 
to give members of the Lodge any desired information as to its 
affairs. His chirography should be neat and legible, and spelling 
correct. He should be careful to omit no business actually 
transacted by the Lodge, and to keep his records and papers so 
that he may refer to any particular business transacted at a former 
meeting without loss of time. We have treated on the manner 
of keeping minutes in a former chapter, to which we would refer 
the attention of Keepers of Records and Seal. 

MASTER OF FINANCE. 

Jewel. — A three-inch triangle with pen and key crossed, all 
of white metal. 

Regalia. — Same as Keeper of Records and Seal. 

Station. — At the left of the Chancellor Commander, and on a 
line with the Keeper of Records and Seal. 

Duties. — The duties of the Master of Finance are to keep an 
accurate account between the Lodge and its members ; receive 




COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 235 

all moneys, and pay the same over to the Master of Exchequer, 
taking his receipt therefor; to make out his semi-annual re- 
port and present it to the Lodge, and 
perform such other duties as may be re- 
quired of him by the Ritual of the 
Order and the laws of his jurisdiction. 

The brother holding this office should 
be a practical book-keeper and account- 
ant, and when a Lodge succeeds in 
getting a Master of Finance who is in 
every respect qualified, it should be 
loth to change. He should be prompt, exact, and courteous; 
as much of the peace and prosperity of the Lodge depends upon 
his exercise of these virtues. Be just and fear not. 

For the benefit of those filling this office, who are not practical 
book-keepers, and who wish to keep their books by double entry, 
we will offer the following suggestions : 

In keeping books by double entry, you must keep constantly 
in mind that every debit must have a credit, and every credit a 
debit. This system of keeping books may appear much more 
difficult than by single entry, yet persons are less liable to make 
errors or omissions. Besides the personal, the following accounts 
should be opened in your Ledger, viz. : Cash, Treasurer, Initia- 
tions and Degrees, Cards Deposited, Dues, Expense, Benefits, 
and it may be necessary to open some others. It would be well 
to leave several pages each for the first, second, third, fifth, and 
sixth accounts above named. The money accompanying a peti- 
tion, either for initiations or degrees, should not be entered on 
the book until the applicant receives that for which he applied. 
Then debit Cash and credit the Initiation and Degrees account, 
stating from whom received. If the person is admitted on card, 
credit Cards Deposited instead of Initiation and Degrees account. 
At the commencement of every quarter, debit each member with 
a quarter's dues, and credit Dues with the amount. When he 
pays, credit him and debit Cash. Should he die or withdraw 
before the end of the quarter, or time for which he has paid, you 
will give an order on the Treasurer for the overpaid dues, and 



236 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

debit the Dues account. When a brother is dropped for non- 
payment of dues, you may close his account by crediting him 
and debiting dues account. Be sure and state how his account 
is closed, so that there will be no mistake in case he should 
apply for reinstatement. In paying the receipts to the Treasurer, 
credit Cash and debit the Treasurer. When benefits are allowed 
to a brother, and the order for the same is not drawn, credit him 
with the amount and debit Benefits. Whenever you give an 
order on the Treasurer, you credit him and debit whatever ac- 
count the order is drawn for ; if for benefits, the Benefit account ; 
if for expense, the Expense account. At the end of the term, 
bring down the balance in your primary accounts (such as Treas- 
urer, etc.), and close all of your secondary accounts (such as 
Initiation and Degrees, Expense, etc.) into Profit and Loss. 
After you have done that, close Profit and Loss into the Assets 
account. 

With a little thought, you will be always able to tell which 
account should be debited and which credited. If you are care- 
ful that each debit has a credit, and vice versa, your books will 
always balance. You will require a Day-Book, Journal, and 
Ledger, and perhaps one or two other books. 

MASTER OF EXCHEQUER. 

Jewel. — A three-inch triangle with crossed keys, all of white 
metal. 
&ZB33 BfflP Regalia. — Same as Keeper of Rec- 
ords and Seal. 

Station. — At the left of the Chan- 
cellor Commander, and by the side of 
the Master of Finance. 

Duties. — To his care are intrusted 
the funds of the Lodge, of which he is 
to keep a just and accurate account. 
He should, therefore, be a good book- 
keeper and accountant, of undoubted integrity and respecta- 
ble business talent. It is his duty to require that all the forms 
and safeguards of business are conformed with before he pays out 




COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 



237 



any money, and to receive Lodge money only through the Mas- 
ter of Finance. 

He should be punctual in his attendance at Lodge meet- 
ings, and keep his accounts and vouchers in such a shape that he 
can make a report whenever called upon by the Lodge. He is 
required by law to make a return at the end of each term. 







PRELATE. 

Jewel. — A three-inch triangle and circle of white, and open 
Bible of yellow metal. 

Regalia. — A black velvet collar with 
silver fringe one and a half inches long, 
and silver lace border on inner edge 
half- inch wide. 

Station. — On the left-hand side of 
the Chancellor Commander, at centre 
of Lodge, and in a direct line as drawn 
from the Past Chancellor over or through 
the altar, opposite the position of the Past Chancellor. The sur- 
roundings are black. 

Duties. — The Prelate is the third executive officer of the 
Lodge. It is his duty to assist at initiations and in conferring the 
different ranks, and to perform such other duties as are required 
of him by the Constitution, laws, and usages of the Order. He 
should be of unblemished character, so that when he is called 
upon to perform the duties of Chaplain it will not appear as 
mockery. 

VICE CHANCELLOR. 

Jewel. — A three-inch triangle and lance of white, and es- 
cutcheon of yellow metal. 

Regalia. — A collar of scarlet velvet, 
with silver fringe one and a half inches I'lji «3k mM 
long, and silver lace border on inner 
edge half-inch wide. 

Station. — At the lower end of the 
room opposite the Chancellor Com- 
mander. The surroundings of his chair 
are blue. 







238 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Duties. — It is his duty to assist the Chancellor Commander in 
preserving order and decorum ; to aid in conducting the cere- 
monies of the several grades of rank ; to preside in the absence 
of the Chancellor Commander ; appoint the minorities of all 
committees (unless otherwise ordered by the Lodge), and have 
charge of the inner door during the sessions of the Lodge ; to 
visit the sick, care for the needy and distressed, chide the wrong- 
doer, and perform such other duties as the law and Ritual may 
require. 

As he occupies the second official chair, and is the almost cer- 
tain successor of the Chancellor Commander, his qualifications 
should in nowise be inferior to those required of the occupant 
of the first chair. While acting as Vice Chancellor he should be 
committing to memory the charges of the first chair. He should 
also study the merits and qualifications of the different members, 
so that he may appoint the best as officers, and on the different 
committees, when he is promoted. 

CHANCELLOR COMMANDER. 

Jewel. — A double triangle with crossed swords and lance in 
white, and escutcheon in yellow metal. 

Regalia. — Same as for Vice Chan- 
cellor. 

Station. — At the head or upper end 
of the room. The surroundings of his 
chair are red. 

Duties. — The Chancellor Commander 
is the presiding officer of the Lodge, 
and, as such, has charge of the officers, 
members, and visitors of his Lodge. 
He must not only perform his own, but 
see that all the subordinate officers discharge their duties, and 
govern the Lodge without fear or favor. The charge- books 
are in his possession, and he should be careful that no one 
who is not entitled shall have access to them. He should be 
thoroughly posted in the laws and work of the Order, and in 
parliamentary usage, so that he may decide promptly upon any 




COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 



239 



questions that may arise ; but in making decisions he must 
remember that his own opinions should have no weight. He 
must be able to control his temper, so as not to become angry 
when business does not go to suit him ; and deal impartially in 
all matters brought before him ; and listen to the opinions of 
all — the youngest Knight has the same right to be heard as the 
oldest past officer, and the Chancellor Commander is bound to 
protect him in his rights. He is one of the Visiting Committee, 
and it is his duty to call on sick brethren at least once a week ; 
if they are in need of watchers, to appoint brethren to perform 
that duty. As the chief officer of the Lodge he should endeavor 
to set an example of morality and uprightness to the members. 
He is looked upon by outsiders as a representative of the Lodge ; 
and if he does not conduct himself as he should, the Lodge 
suffers in reputation. 



PAST CHANCELLOR. 

Jewel. — An irregular pentagon of white metal, with escutch 
eon of yellow metal. 

Regalia. — A collar of scarlet velvet, 
with gold fringe one and a half inches 
long, and gold lace border on inner edge 
half-inch wide. 

Station. — On the right-hand side of 
the Lodge, midway or centre of the 
room, looking from the Chancellor Com- 
mander's station to the Vice Chancellor 
at the opposite end. The color of his 
station is yellow. 

Duties. — This office is acquired by service. The retiring 
Chancellor Commander fills this chair for one term, after the 
expiration of his term as chief officer of the Lodge. He is to 
have charge of, and be held responsible for, all floor-work, or 
ceremonials in conferring the degrees, and to perform any other 
duties detailed for him to do by the Chancellor Commander 
when the Lodge is working. 

He should be prompt in attending, the meetings of his Lodge, 




240 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

and be ready to give the Chancellor Commander the benefit of 
his experience. Having served his Lodge as Chancellor Com- 
mander faithfully unto the end of the term, he is now entitled to 
the Grand Lodge Degree, and to a seat in that body. 



Grand Lodges. 

HOW COMMENCED AND CONSTITUTED. ' 

UNTIL a Grand Lodge is formed in a State, District, Terri- 
tory, or country, all the Subordinate Lodges are under the 
immediate control of the Supreme Lodge, and pay to it 
fifty cents per capita tax on each member annually. Where 
there are five or more Subordinate Lodges established, and in 
working order in any Jurisdiction, they may, through the Deputy 
Supreme Chancellor, "petition the Supreme Chancellor, who 
shall cause the Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal to notify 
each of the Lodges of that Jurisdiction to elect two Representa- 
tives for the unexpired balance of the year, up to the 31st of 
December following, on the first meeting night of the Lodge 
after the receipt of the communication. ' ' 

The Representatives elect, together with the Past Chancellors 
of the five or more Lodges, shall meet at such place as may be 
named by the Supreme Chancellor, for the purpose of organizing 
a Grand Lodge. The Representatives should be provided with 
certificates of election, and a list of the Past Chancellors in good 
standing in the different Lodges should also be furnished the 
convention. They should elect their officers, being careful to 
choose the best men for each position, make out a notice of 
their organization and names of the officers elected, and forward 
it, along with the dispensation fee, to the Supreme Keeper of 
Records and Seal, through the Supreme Chancellor. As soon as 
organized they shall elect two Representatives to the Supreme 
Lodge, who thereby become Past Grand Chancellors. 

The Supreme Chancellor, upon receiving the notice of organ- 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK 24 1 

ization, etc., will install, or cause to be installed by a Deputy 
Supreme Chancellor, the officers of said Grand Lodge. The 
Grand Lodge shall then adopt a constitution and by-laws for its 
own government, subject to the approval of the Supreme Chan- 
cellor, appoint the necessary standing committees, and do such 
other business as may be necessary at the commencement. 
These could have been agreed upon beforehand, so that the 
Grand Lodge need waste but little time in their consideration. 

It should then apply for a charter, by petition, to the next 
regular session of the Supreme Lodge. The petition should be 
accompanied with the reports, constitution, and by-laws, "all of 
which shall be referred to the proper committees, when the re- 
ports being favorable, and the committee on charters and dis- 
pensations reporting and recommending that a charter be issued, 
and the Supreme Lodge concurring therein, the charter shall 
then be issued, but not otherwise." 

The Grand Lodge exercises control over the Subordinate 
Lodges within its jurisdiction, and possesses the right and power 
to grant charters ; to suspend or take away the same upon proper 
cause ; to receive and hear all appeals ; to redress grievances and 
complaints arising in the Lodges within its jurisdiction ; and of 
enacting such laws for its government as do not conflict with 
those of the Supreme Lodge. It stands in the same relation to 
the Supreme Lodge as the Subordinates in its jurisdiction do to 
it. The Grand Lodge derives its revenue from charter-fees, 
profit on the sale of supplies, and a per capita tax on the Knights 
in good standing in each Lodge, or percentage upon the re- 
ceipts of Lodges. 

The business of the Grand Lodge is transacted in the Grand 
Lodge Degree. 

MEMBERS AND REPRESENTATIVES. 
Each Past Chancellor in good standing in his Subordinate 
Lodge, is a member of the Grand Lodge of his jurisdiction, and 
is entitled to attend its sessions, and receive the degree, to vote 
for Grand officers, to be elected to and hold office in the Grand 
Lodge ; and he cannot be deprived of these rights so long as he 
21 Q 



242 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

is in good standing. In those jurisdictions where the legislative 
power is not delegated to Representatives chosen by the Subor- 
dinate Lodges, each Past Chancellor has the right to vote and 
speak, and take part in all the proceedings of the Grand Lodge. 
Each Past Chancellor, upon completing his term as Chancellor 
Commander, should receive a certificate of the fact under the 
seal of his Lodge. Upon presenting his certificate at the Grand 
Lodge he is waited upon by the proper officer, and, after exami- 
nation, receives the degree to which he is entitled, and con- 
ducted to a seat. 

In those jurisdictions where the number of Past Chancellors is 
large, the legislative power is generally delegated to a few, who 
are chosen to represent either a Lodge or a district composed of 
a specified number of Knights. Representatives are elected in 
the same manner as the officers of the Subordinate Lodge, all 
Knights in good standing being entitled to vote. No one but 
Past Chancellors are eligible to the office of Representative. 
The person elected is entitled to a certificate of election from 
the Lodge, or the District Deputy, where there are more than 
one Lodge in a district. In those jurisdictions where the legis- 
lative power is vested in Representatives, all Past Chancellors 
have the right to attend Grand Lodge and to vote for Grand 
officers, yet none but the Representatives have a right to take 
part in the proceedings of the Grand Lodge. 

At the sessions of Grand Lodges the business is generally car- 
ried on by the aid of committees provided for in their respective 
constitutions and by-laws, or appointed as the occasion requires. 
Nearly all measures are first referred to appropriate committees, 
and after being considered and perfected are reported back to 
the Grand Lodge for action. 

The regalia for Representatives is the same as for Past Chan- 
cellor, with a rosette on the left side, with the number of Lodge 
or District represented, and approved and adopted jewel pendant. 

OFFICERS. 
The officers of a Grand Lodge are : the Past Grand Chancellor, 
who is the retiring Grand Chancellor, Grand Chancellor, Grand 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 243 

Vice Chancellor, Grand Prelate, Grand Master of Exchequer, 
Grand Keeper of Records and Seal, and Supreme Represen- 
tative, all of whom are elected ; the Grand Master-at-Arms, 
Grand Inner Guard, and Grand Outer Guard, who are elected 
or appointed as the Grand Lodge may determine ; and the 
District Deputy Grand Chancellors, who are appointed by the 
Grand Chancellor. The manner of electing Grand officers is 
left to each jurisdiction. In some they are elected by the 
Past Chancellors present at the session of the Grand Lodge. In 
others, the law provides that any Past Chancellor in good stand- 
ing may forward to the Grand Chancellor the name of any Past 
Chancellor, also in good standing, stating the office to which 
he is nominated, prior to a certain date named in the constitu- 
tion of the jurisdiction. The Grand Chancellor, upon the expi- 
ration of the date limiting nominations, notifies the Past Chan- 
cellor of his nomination, requesting him to accept or decline by 
a certain time. Upon the expiration of the time specified the 
Grand Chancellor forwards the names of all the Past Chancellors 
who have accepted, stating the office for which they are nomi- 
nated, to the Grand Keeper of Records and Seal, who has them 
printed and transmitted to the several Lodges. On the night of 
election, generally the last stated meeting in June or December, 
tellers are appointed, and all the Past Chancellors present in 
their respective Lodges are entitled to vote for Grand officers. 
After the polls are closed the votes are counted, the result 
announced, a true record is made on the minutes, and a true 
record, under the seal of the Lodge, sent to the Grand Chancel- 
lor, marked " Election Returns." The Grand Chancellor, upon 
a certain date, calls to his assistance two or three Past Chancel- 
lors and proceeds to count the vote, and announces the vote to 
the Grand Lodge. He also notifies the Subordinate Lodges of 
the result of the votes cast, prior to the meeting of the Grand 
Lodge. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes 
for each office is declared elected. By this mode of election all 
Past Chancellors have a chance to exercise their right to vote, 
whereas, where the Grand officers are elected at the session of 
the Grand Lodge, many are practically disfranchised. 



244 



THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 



District Deputy Grand Chancellors are appointed by the Grand 
Chancellor to represent him in their allotted Lodge or District. 
It is their duty to see that the work of the Order is performed 
uniformly, to install, or cause to be installed, the officers of the 
Lodge or Lodges under their charge, and perform such other 
duties as the Grand Lodge or Grand Chancellor may direct. 
They should be well posted in the law and work of the Order, 
so that they may instruct the officers, and render decisions 
when called upon by the Lodge or Lodges under their control. 
They have no voice in the Grand Lodge, except as Past Chan- 
cellors, and are not entitled to mileage or per diem should they 
attend its sessions. Their regalia is the same as that for Past 
Chancellors. The jewel for a District Deputy Grand Chancel- 
lor is the same as that for the Grand Outer Guard, except that 
the emblem is a scroll. 

GRAND OUTER GUARD. 



Jewel, — A three and one-half inch oval, inclosing shield, 
which covers a triangle. On the shield is 
a sword. Oval and shield of yellow, and 
triangle and emblem of white metal.* 

Regalia. — Collar of scarlet velvet, with 
gold fringe one and a half inches long, and 
gold lace border on inner edge half-inch 
wide. Form of collar same as for Subordi- 
nate Lodge. 

Duties. — He has charge of the outer door, 
and cannot admit any one without the pass- 
word, unless ordered to do so by the Grand 
Chancellor. He is held responsible for the regalia, jewels, etc. , 




* The jewels of all the Grand officers are the same, with the exception of 
their respective emblems on the shield. For illustration, see Past Grand 
Chancellor's jewel. The jewels are to be worn pendant.to the collar, except 
when the officer or Past officer is dressed in the " Full Gala," " Ordinary 
Parade," or " Fatigue Dress," when they are to be worn upon the left breast 
in open sight. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT- BOOK. 



245 



of the Grand Lodge while it is in session, and is generally- 
compensated for the faithful discharge of his 
duties. 

GRAND INNER GUARD. 

Jewel. — Same as Grand Outer Guard, 
with crossed swords. 

Regalia. — Same as for Grand Outer 
Guard. 

Duties. — The duties of this officer are 
similar to those of the Inner Guard in the 
Subordinate Lodge. 

GRAND MASTER-AT-ARMS. 

Jewel. — Same as Grand Outer Guard, 
with lance, battle-axe, and sword crossed. 

Regalia. — Same as for Grand Outer 
Guard. 

Duties. — It is his duty to assist in the 
ceremonies of the Grand Lodge, to preserve 
order therein, to examine new members and 
Representatives and conduct them into the 
Grand Lodge, and to execute the com- 
mands of the Grand Chancellor. 

GRAND KEEPER OF RECORDS AND SEAL. 

Jewel. — Same as Grand Outer Guard, with crossed pens. 

Regalia. — Same as for Grand Outer 
Guard. 

Duties. — It is his duty to keep a just 
and true record of all the proceedings of 
the Grand Lodge. He has charge of the 
seal, books, papers, and other properties of 
the Grand Lodge. He prepares all char- 
ters and dispensations for Subordinate 
Lodges ; attests all official papers and docu- 
ments, and performs such other duties as are 
required of him by the laws and regulations 





246 



THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 




of the Order, for which he receives a regular salary. At each 
annual session he presents a report of the general condition of 
the Order in his jurisdiction. He is required to have an office 
and keep regular office hours. 

GRAND MASTER OF EXCHEQUER. 
Jewel. — Same as Grand Outer Guard, with crossed keys. 

Regalia. — Same as that worn by the 
Grand Outer Guard. 

Duties. — His duties are similar to those 
performed by the Master of Exchequer in 
the Subordinate Lodge. To receive all 
funds for the use of the Grand Lodge from 
the Grand Keeper of Records and Seal ; 
pay all orders drawn on him by the Grand 
Chancellor properly attested. He should 
understand bookkeeping, so that he may 
keep his accounts in a proper manner, ex- 
hibiting the amount and source from which received, and the 
purposes and amounts of disbursements, and to give a statement 
in writing at the session of the Grand 
Lodge, or whenever required to do so by 
that body. His books are subject to the 
examination of the Financial Committee 
whenever they see proper. 

GRAND PRELATE. 
Jewel. — Same as Grand Outer Guard, 
with open Bible. 

Regalia. — Same as for Grand Outer 
Guard. 
Duties. — To open and close the 
prayer, and perform such other duties 
office. 

GRAND VICE CHANCELLOR, 
Jewel. — Same as Grand Outer Guard, with baton. 
Regalia. — Same as for Grand Outer Guard. 




Grand Lodge with 
as comport with his 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 



247 



Duties. — He is to act as counsellor and assistant of the 
Grand Chancellor, and in his absence to 
preside over the Grand Lodge. In case 
of the death, removal, inability, or resigna- 
tion of the Grand Chancellor, the powers 
and duties of said officer devolve upon the 
Grand Vice Chancellor for the rest of the 
term, or until a successor is supplied by 
special election. In view of such an event, 
as much care should be taken in the choice 
of the Grand Vice Chancellor as in that 
of the Grand Chancellor. 





DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND CHANCELLOR. 

Jewel. — Same as Grand Outer Guard, ex- 
cept that the emblem is a scroll. 

Regalia. — Same as for Past Chancellor. 

Duties. — He is appointed by the Grand 
Chancellor to represent him in his allotted 
Lodge or District. It is his duty to see that 
the work of the Order is performed uniformly, 
to install, or cause to be installed, the officers 
of the Lodge or Lodges under his charge, and 
perform such other duties as the G. L. or G. 
C. may direct. 

GRAND CHANCELLOR. 

Jewel. — Same as Grand Outer Guard, with a gauntlet closed 
and grasping a truncheon. 

Regalia. — Same as for Grand Outer 
Guard. 

Duties. — His duties are to preside and 
preserve order at all sessions of the Grand 
Lodge ; appoint Grand officers pro tem. in 
case of the temporary absence or disqualifi- 
cation of any Grand officer; appoint all 
committees, unless otherwise ordered ; exer- 
cise a general supervision over the Order in 
his jurisdiction ; to decide questions of law 




248 



THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 



and usage during the recess of the Grand Lodge, and to perform 
such other duties as belong to an executive and presiding officer 
of a Grand body. He appoints persons to represent him in 
the different Lodges or Districts of his jurisdiction, and he may 
remove them at any time for good cause. 

PAST GRAND CHANCELLOR. 
Jewel.— Same as Grand Outer Guard, with escutcheon. 

Regalia. — Black velvet collar trimmed 
with gold lace and fringe, and "P. G. C." 
embroidered in gold on left side. 

Duties.— The retiring Grand Chancellor 
shall fill the office of Past Grand Chancel- 
lor. He shall have charge and supervise 
the arrangement of the altar or any other 
necessary floor -work, and perform such 
other duties as may be required of him. 
Having served as Grand Chancellor till the 
end of the term, he is entitled to the Su- 
preme Lodge Degree, and to a seat in the Supreme Lodge. 




Supreme Lodge. 

ITS POWERS, HOW CONSTITUTED AND SUP- 
PORTED. 

THE Supreme Lodge of the Knights of Pythias of the World 
is the source of all true and legitimate authority over the 
Order, and as such "possesses original and exclusive juris- 
diction and power to establish, regulate, and control the forms, 
ceremonies, written and unwritten work, and to change, alter, 
and annul the same; " "to provide, print, and furnish all Rit- 
uals, forms, ceremonies, cards, odes, charts, and certificates ; to 
prescribe the form, material, and color of all regalia, emblems, 
jewels, and charts, and to designate the uniform of the Order ; 
to provide for the emanation and distribution of all passwords ; ' 
"to establish the Order in States, Districts, Territories, Prov- 
inces, or countries where the same has not been engrafted ; " to 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 249 

provide a revenue for the Supreme Lodge ; to provide for annual 
returns from each Grand Lodge, and for semi-annual returns from 
each Subordinate Lodge under its immediate jurisdiction; "to 
hear and determine all appeals from Grand and Subordinate 
Lodges, when the same are properly brought before it;" "to 
enact all laws and regulations of general application," and carry 
the same into effect ; to charter Grand Lodges and define the 
territorial extent of their jurisdiction, and to charter Subordi- 
nate Lodges not within the territorial jurisdiction of any Grand 
Lodge, and to provide a constitution for each Subordinate Lodge 
under its immediate jurisdiction. 

The sessions of the Supreme Lodge are held annually at such 
time in the months of April, May, June, July, or August, and at 
such place as was agreed upon at the preceding annual session. 
Should there have been no date fixed, it shall meet on the third 
Tuesday in April, and if no place has been agreed upon, the 
session shall be held at Baltimore, Maryland. The business is 
transacted in the Supreme Lodge Degree. It is constituted of 
all Past Supreme Chancellors, its officers, Representatives, and 
Past Grand Chancellors. Past Supreme Chancellors are entitled 
to discuss any question, but the right to vote is limited to the 
officers and Representatives. All Past Grand Chancellors, duly 
recognized by the Supreme Lodge, are admitted to its sessions 
and to seats therein, but are not entitled to speak, unless by per- 
mission of the Supreme Lodge. 

Each Grand Jurisdiction is entitled to two Representatives 
until it has 20,000 members, and one more for each additional 
10,000 members ; but no Grand Lodge is entitled to more than 
four Representatives. They must be Past Grand Chancellors in 
good standing in their respective Grand and Subordinate Lodges. 
They are elected in the same manner as the Grand officers of 
their jurisdictions, and serve for two years ; the term of one, or, 
if there are four Representatives, two, from each Grand Lodge 
expiring each year. The Supreme Lodge pays the mileage and 
necessary expenses of its officers and Representatives. 

The revenue of the Supreme Lodge is derived from dispen- 
sation and charter fees ; profits on memorial charts, jewels, odes, 
charge, and installation books, etc. ; the tax of $75 annually on 



250 



THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 



each Grand Lodge for each Representative to which they are 
entitled, and a per capita tax on the Subordinate Lodges under 
its immediate jurisdiction. 

OFFICERS. 

The officers of the Supreme Lodge are : Past Supreme Chan- 
cellor, Supreme Chancellor, Supreme Vice Chancellor, Supreme 
Prelate, Supreme Master of Exchequer, Supreme Keeper of Rec- 
ords and Seal, Supreme Master-at-Arms, Supreme Inner Guard, 
Supreme Outer Guard, all of whom, except the Past Supreme 
Chancellor, are elected biennially. The election is by ballot ; a 
majority of all the votes cast being necessary to a choice. In 
case of a tie, the balloting continues until a choice is made ; the 
name of the brother receiving the lowest number of votes at 
each ballot is withdrawn. No one is eligible to any office in the 
Supreme Lodge, unless he has been duly admitted, by being 
either a Supreme Representative or a Past Grand Chancellor. 

In addition to the above, there are also Deputy Supreme 
Chancellors, who are appointed by the Supreme Chancellor to 
represent him in the State, District, Territory, or foreign coun- 
try having no Grand Lodge. It is their duty to install the offi- 
cers of the jurisdiction under their control, or cause the same to 
be done, and to transact such business as the Supreme Chan- 
cellor may direct. The jewel of the Deputy Supreme Chancellor is 

the same as that for Supreme Outer 
Guard, with globe on upper and 
scroll on lower portion of the tri- 
angle. 

SUPREME OUTER GUARD. 

Jewel. — A four-inch circle of 
yellow metal inclosing triangle of 
white metal. On the upper portion 
of the triangle is a globe, and on 
the lower portion a sword, both 
of yellow metal.* 

* The jewels of all the Supreme officers are the same, with the exception 
of their respective emblems on the triangle. 




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251 




Regalia. — Collar of purple, skirted with scarlet, trimmed 
with helmet, globe, and tassels, lace and fringe of gilt bullion. 

Duties. — The duties of this officer are similar to those of the 
Outer Guard in the Grand Lodge. 

SUPREME INNER GUARD. 

Jewel. — Same as Supreme Outer Guard, with globe on upper 
and crossed swords on lower portion 
of the triangle. 

Regalia. — Same as that worn 
by the Supreme Outer Guard. 

Duties. — He is to guard the in- 
ner door; to admit none who are 
not legally qualified, and perform 
such other duties as may be re- 
quired of him by the Supreme 
Lodge. 

SUPREME MASTER-AT-ARMS. 

Jewel. — Same as Supreme Outer Guard, with globe on the 
upper, and crossed sword, lance, and 
battle-axe on the lower portion of 
"the triangle. 

Regalia. — Same as that worn 
by the Supreme Outer Guard. 

Duties. — The duties of this 
officer are such as are traditionally 
appropriate to his station, or such 
as may be assigned him by the Su- 
preme Lodge. 

SUPREME KEEPER OF RECORDS AND SEAL. 
Jewel. — Same as Supreme Outer Guard, with globe on upper 
and crossed pens on lower portion of the triangle. 

Regalia. — Same as that worn by the Supreme Outer Guard. 
Duties. — He shall keep a just and true record of all the pro- 




252 



THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 



ceedingsof the Supreme Council and Lodge, and transmit annu- 
ally to each Grand Lodge as many copies thereof as the Lodge 

has Past Grand Chancellors and 
officers, and one copy for each 
Subordinate Lodge in their several 
jurisdictions, and one to each 
Lodge under the immediate jurisdic- 
tion of the Supreme Lodge. He is 
to collect all the revenues of the 
Supreme Lodge and pay the same 
over to the Supreme Master of Ex- 
chequer. He has charge of all 
books, papers, and other properties 
of the Supreme Lodge. He prepares all charters for Grand 
Lodges ; attests all necessary official papers and documents, and 
performs such other duties as are required of him by the laws 
of the Order, and the Supreme Chancellor and Supreme Lodge 
may direct. He receives a stated salary per annum, payable 
quarterly, and is required to give bond in the sum of ten thou- 
sand dollars for the faithful performance of his duties. 




SUPREME MASTER OF EXCHEQUER. 

Jewel. — Same as Supreme Outer Guard, with globe on upper 
and crossed keys on lower portion of the triangle. 

Regalia. — Same as that worn 
by the Supreme Outer Guard. 

Duties. — He shall render a true 
and faithful account of his doings to 
the Supreme Lodge at its annual 
session, together with an account of 
all moneys received and disbursed, 
and the earnings accrued from in- 
vestments ; pay all orders drawn on 
him by the Supreme Chancellor, 
properly attested by the S. K. of R. 
and S. 'For the faithful performance of his duties he is required 
to give bond in the sum of ten thousand dollars. 




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253 




SUPREME PRELATE. 

Jewel. — Same as Supreme Outer Guard, with globe on upper 
and an open Bible on lower portion of the triangle. 

Regalia. — White collar, skirted 
with scarlet, trimmed with gilt lace 
and bullion fringe and tassels. On the 
right breast of the collar shall be em- 
broidered, in gilt bullion, a visored 
helmet, with axe and lance crossed, 
and on the left breast a globe. 

Duties. — He shall open and close 
the Supreme Lodge with prayer, 
and perform all obligatory ceremo- 
nials as prescribed in the Ritual or 
usages of the Order, and such other duties as comport with his 
office. 

SUPREME VICE CHANCELLOR. 

Jewel. — Same as Supreme Outer Guard, with globe on upper 
and baton on lower portion of the 
triangle. 

Regalia. — Same as that worn by 
the Supreme Outer Guard. 

Duties. — He is to perform such 
duties as may be assigned him by 
the Supreme Lodge or the Supreme 
Chancellor. In case of the death, 
absence, removal, or physical in- 
competence of the chief officer, he 
shall act as Supreme Chancellor. 




SUPREME CHANCELLOR. 

Jewel. — Same as Supreme Outer Guard, with globe in centre 
and escutcheon in each corner of the triangle. 

Regalia. — Same as that worn by the Supreme Outer Guard. 

Duties. — In addition to his duties as presiding officer of the 
Supreme Lodge, he is to exercise a watchful supervision over all 
22 



254 



THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 



Grand and Subordinate Lodges, and see that all the constitu- 
tional enactments, rules, and edicts of the Supreme Lodge are 
duly observed, and that the dress, work, and discipline of the 

Order are everywhere uniform. He 
has the right to call special sessions 
of the Supreme Lodge, or conven- 
tions of Supreme officers in council ; 
to visit any Grand or Subordinate 
Lodge under the immediate juris- 
diction of the Supreme Lodge, and 
to give such instructions and di- 
rections as the good of the Order 
may require ; to grant dispensations 
for the institution of Subordinate 
Lodges, and for Grand Lodges, in 
States, Countries, Districts, or Territories, where the same have 
not been heretofore established ; to manage the contingent fund 
of the Supreme Lodge ; to hear and decide such questions of law 
as may be submitted to him by Grand and Subordinate Lodges 
under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge, and 
such decisions are binding until disaffirmed or reversed by the 
Supreme Lodge. He also appoints a Deputy Supreme Chancel- 
lor in all States, Districts, Territories, and foreign countries 
where Lodges are established and are without a Grand Lodge. 




DEPUTY SUPREME CHANCELLOR. 

Jewel. — Same as Supreme Outer 
Guard, with globe on upper and scroll 
on lower portion of the triangle. 

Regalia. — Same as Supreme 
Outer Guard. 

Duties. — He is to represent the 
Supreme Chancellor of the World 
in the State, District, Territory, or 
foreign country having no Grand 
Lodge, and transact such other busi- 
ness as the S. C. may direct. 




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255 



PAST SUPREME CHANCELLOR. 

Jewel. — Same as Supreme Outer Guard, with globe in centre, 
and an escutcheon in each lower 
and the stars in the upper corner of 
the triangle. 

Regalia. — Same as the Supreme 
Outer Guard. 

Duties. — This office is attained 
by service as Supreme Chancellor. 
He shall have charge of and su- 
pervise the arrangements of the altar 
or any other necessary floor-work. 




REGALIA AND JEWELS OF OTHER MEMBERS. 

Past Supreme Chancellors have the same collar and jewel as 
the sitting Past Supreme Chancellor. 

The regalia for Past Grand Chancellors is a black velvet collar 
trimmed with gold lace and fringe, and "P. G. C." embroid- 
ered in gold on left side. 

Supreme Representatives have the same regalia as Past 
Grand Chancellors, with "S. R." upon 
the right-hand side of collar in gilt bul- 
lion. 

The jewel of a Supreme Representative is 
the same as for Grand Outer Guard, with an 
ornamental device of white metal, on which 
is engraved the coat-of-arms of the State 
represented, and emblems of the Order. 

Each member is required to be clothed 
in the established regalia of his rank before 
he is allowed to enter the Supreme Lodge 
while in session. But any Past officer, Officer, Representative, 
or member of the Supreme Lodge who presents himself apparelled 
in the prescribed uniform of the Order indicative of his rank, 
wearing the proper and prescribed Official or Past Official Jewel 
on the left breast in open sight, is recognized as in proper re- 
galia and entitled to admission, if otherwise qualified. 




2$6 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Funerals. 

REGALIA. 

A ROSETTE three inches in diameter with black velvet centre 
of two inches, with gold letters "G. L." and one half-inch 
red border (ribbon) to be worn as a badge of mourning by 
Grand Lodges on the occasion of attending funerals. — Session 
of 1869. 

At funerals the following rosette may or shall be worn in lieu 
of other regalia, viz. : 

By Knights, Esquires, and Pages. — Round rosette, black, flat 
centre, one and one-half inches in diameter, with white metal 
struck up or silver embroidered escutcheon, surrounded by two 
rows of quilted half-inch black satin ribbon, the joint made by 
the ribbon joining the centre of the rosette, to be covered with 
one-quarter line silver braid, the completed rosette to be three 
inches in diameter. Suspended from the under side of the 
rosette a white silk ribbon two and one-half inches wide and 
four and one-half inches long, with name and number of Lodge, 
and the letters K. P. printed upon it in black, the white ribbon 
to be covered with black crape. 

By Past Chancellors. — The same as for members, but gilt 
escutcheon. 

For Officers. — Same as for members, but substituting the em- 
blem of their respective offices for the escutcheon in the centre 
of the rosette. — Session of 1872. 

ORDER OF PROCESSION. 

When the Order attends a funeral, the line of march shall be 
taken up in the following order : 

1. The Outer Guard, bearing a sword, followed by the Pages, 
Esquires, and Knights, in the order as laid down. 

2. The Inner Guard, bearing a sword. 

3. The Keeper of Records and Seal, Master of Finance, and 
Master of Exchequer (three abreast). 

4. Master-at-Arms. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 2$J 

5. Chancellor Commander and Vice Chancellor. 

6. The Prelate, supported by two Past Chancellors. 

7. Past Chancellors and Past Grand Chancellors. 

On arriving at the grave, the procession halts and opens 
order, when the coffin and mourners pass through, and the pro- 
cession follows the corpse in a reversed position. 

FUNERAL SERVICES. 

[The Brothers, on arriving at the grave, will form a circle at 
the proper time. The Prelate will then read :] 

My Brethren: The solemn occasion of our assembling 
together is the dissolution of the bonds which have united the 
outward or temporal body with the spirit. We are born to die. 
Dust must return to dust, and the spirit to God who gave it. 
The solemn notes which now salute our ears proclaim to us that 
another spirit has passed from earth to the abode of our fathers. 
For this cause we are assembled among the habitations of the 
dead. Here around us they peacefully, quietly rest. The gentle 
zephyr may sigh high among the trees, the sunshine may gladden 
the earth, the fierce tempest around them may rage, and the 
busy world may pass on, yet they heed it not. 

We are here shown the uncertainty of human life, the cer- 
tainty of death, the mutability of all earthly things, and the 
Vanity of human pretensions. Decay and death are written on 
every living thing. The cradle and the coffin appear before us 
at the same time, and the intervening space seems but a span. 
Yet it is strange, notwithstanding the evidences of mortal frailty 
which daily appear to us, that the sound of the tolling bell will 
so often fall upon our ears, and we heed not its admonition. 

Here, all thoughtless, we tread upon the green roof of that 
dark mansion whose chambers we must sooner or later occupy ; 
for we know not how soon the time may come for you or me to 
go hence, and be known no more forever. 

Brother, we lay thee down to rest. We loved thee here, and 

our remembrance of thee shall be pleasant. Thou mayst have 

had thy faults, and who has not ? But over them we cast the 

veil of Fraternity, Charity, and Love ; and while we mourn thy 

22* R 



258 THE KNIGHTS OF P YTHIAS 

loss, we will strive to emulate thy virtues. And we do fervently 
promise here, by thine open grave, that, though thou art gone 
from our sight, we will ever cherish thy memory green in our 
hearts, till the Archangel's trump shall proclaim that time shall 
be no more. 

Let us strive, then, so to live, that when we are called away 
from this terrestrial scene, we may be prepared to give a good 
account of ourselves at the bar of the Great Judge, before whom 
we must appear. 

Brethren, let not this warning be in vain ; and as we deposit 
in the grave this evergreen, let it be the fitting emblem of that 
brotherly love which shall live beyond the tomb. 

[The evergreen will be deposited in the grave.] 

To his bereaved friends we would say, Hope in God, trust in 
God. He alone can comfort your distress. He will heal your 
wound, and bind the broken heart. May the Lord bless you 
and sustain you all evermore. Amen. 

Let us pray. 

PRAYER. 

O God, the Protector of all who trust in Thee, without whom 
nothing is strong, nothing is holy, increase and multiply upon 
us Thy mercy, that Thou being our Ruler and Guide, we may so 
pass through things temporal, that we lose not the things Eter- 
nal. Give unto us an increase of Friendship, Charity, and Be- 
nevolence. Keep, we beseech Thee, O Lord, our Order with 
Thy perpetual mercy. Let Thy continual pity cleanse and 
defend it ; and because it cannot continue in safety without Thy 
succor, preserve it evermore by Thy help and goodness, and 
unto Thee we shall render the praise forever. Amen. 





Gauntlet. 



Sword. 



Baldric. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 2$$ 

Uniforms. 

Official Issuance of detailed specifications of the outside Regalia, or uniform 
Costume, for the Order of Knights of Pythias, as adopted by the Supreme 
Lodge Knights of Pythias of the World, at its regular annual session held 
in the City of Philadelphia, State of Pennsylvania, April 18th to 22d, in- 
clusive, A. D. 1871, and of Pythian Period the Eighth, as amended at the 
session of 1875. 

FULL GALA AND INSPECTION DRESS. 

Coat, Pants, Sword, Belt, Baldric, Cloak, Gorget, Gauntlet 
Cuffs, Gloves, Helmet, and Oriflamme (with fatigue cap, cov- 
ered, hung to the belt). 

ORDINARY PARADE DRESS. 

Coat, Pants, Sword, Belt, Baldric, Gauntlet Cuffs, Gloves, 
Helmet, and Oriflamme (with fatigue cap, covered, suspended 
from sword belt). 

FATIGUE DRESS. 

Coat, Pants, Sword, Belt, Fatigue Cap (uncovered), and 
white Gloves. 

SPECIFICATIONS. 

COAT. 

Black cloth, cut military style, single breasted, standing col- 
lar (with a half roll to the sixth button from the bottom), nine 
buttons in front, two behind, length to knee, side edges plain, 
hook-and-eye at neck gorge, seam plain, two buttons at cuff, 
buttons flat, black silk lasting. 

PANTALOONS. 

Black cloth or doeskin cassimere, and of uniform style. 

CLOAK. 

A half-cloak — a cavalier — or cape of appropriate material, 
make and color, emblazoned thereon, embroidered on proper 
colored cloth or velvet, the crest of the Order, ta be worn over 



260 



THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 




the left shoulder and back fastened by a cord and tassel of 
appropriate color. The "Gorget" worn with the same, made 

of three triangular points : one 
of which will be scarlet, one sky 
blue, and one orange. Pendant 
to the point of each proper color 
will be the appropriate letter, in 
solid white metal. The Gorget 
to be separate, and fastened on 
by buttoning under collar of 
cape or by cord and tassel. 

For members and Subordinate 

officers, inclusive of Chancellor 

Commander, Cloak dark blue, 

crest scarlet. 

For Past Chancellors and Grand officers (of less rank than 

Grand Chancellor), Cloak orange, crest blue. 

For Grand and Past Grand Chancellors, Cloak scarlet, crest 
blue. 

For Supreme and Past Supreme Chancellors, Cloak purple, 
crest gold. 

HELMET. 

Black body, in shape like sample ; round top, rim in front and 

flowing back; front visor two 
inches, and rear visor two and 
a half inches in length; black 
cone, running from tip of back 
to centre front; cone two and a 
half inches high in front, run- 
ning back to point at tip of 
flowing back; raised wire for 
plume support, from back tip to 
front of cone, one-half inch 
above cone. 

Gold (or silver) cord, double and looped from centre sides to 
front, fastened at sides with helmet-shaped button. 

Escutcheon on front as follows : 




COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 26 1 

For Knights, shield-shaped escutcheon, one and a half inches. 

For Past Chancellors (of less rank than G. C), triangle-shaped 
escutcheon, two inches from tip to tip. 

For Grand Chancellor and Past Grand Chancellor, oval-shaped 
escutcheon, two inches in shortest diameter. 

For Supreme officers and Past Supreme officers, circle-shaped 
escutcheon, two inches in diameter. — Adopted 1875. 

[Those who purchased metal helmets prior to the session of 
the Supreme Lodge in 1875, are allowed to wear them.] 

PLUME. 

In shape an Oriflamme, running from back of cone to front, 
and drooping over front, to be worn as follows : 

For Knights, red. 

For Past Chancellors, blue. 

For Grand Lodge officers, yellow. 

For Past Grand Chancellors, red, tipped (on sides and front) 
with white. 

For Supreme officers and Past Supreme officers, purple, tipped 
with white (on sides and front). — Adopted 1875. 

CAP. 

Present navy style, black cloth, three to three and one-half 
inches height of crown, narrow, black 
leather straps fastened at sides with 
shield-shaped buttons. The crest or 
escutcheon of the Order on the front, 
and gold or silver lace running around 
the band of the cap, according to the 
rank of the wearer. 

ESCUTCHEON AND LACE. 

For Knights, Esquires, and Pages, silver-plated metal shield- 
shaped escutcheon, and three-line silver lace. 

For Subordinate officers, inclusive of Chancellor Commander, 
shield-shaped embroidered escutcheon, on blue velvet, and six- 
line silver lace. 




262 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

For Past Chancellors, shield-shaped embroidered escutcheon, 
on green velvet, and six-line silver lace. 

For Grand officers, inclusive of G. C., shield-shaped embroid- 
ered escutcheon, on orange velvet, and nine-line silver lace. 

For Past Grand Chancellors, oval-shaped embroidered es- 
cutcheon, on red velvet, and twelve-line gold lace. 

For Supreme and Past Supreme Chancellors, circular-shaped 
embroidered escutcheon, with vine around, and S. C, or P. S. 
C, on purple, and fifteen-line gold lace. 

BALDRIC. 

To be worn by all members of less rank than Grand Chancel- 
lors. Five inches wide, in the whole, of blue, bordered with 
yellow, one inch on either side, a strip of army lace one-fourth 
of an inch wide at the inner edge of the yellow. On the front 
centre of the baldric, a metal triangle, with raised or struck-up 
escutcheon of the Order. On centre field of the triangle, and 
on each uncovered point thereof, one of the three letters "F. C. 
B." so that the whole three may appear. The baldric to be 
worn from the right shoulder to the left hip, with ends extending 
six inches below the point of intersection, under and at the lower 
edge of the sword belt, and to be fastened with shield-shaped 
white metal screw button, the top of which will overlap the 
sword belt, and hold the baldric firmly in its place on the right 

shoulder. 

BELT. 

Red enameled or patent leather, two inches wide, fastened 
around the body with white metal clasp of emblematic design, 
two short, white metal chains suspended from red leather sliding 
straps on belt, and white metal slide, with hook for fatigue cap. 

SWORD. 

For all members and officers (of less rank than Grand Chan- 
cellors), thirty-four to forty inches long, white metal scabbard, 
cross handle black hilt, helmet head with appropriate devices, 
suspended by chains from two side rings. 

For all officers and Past officers, from rank of Grand Chan- 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 



263 



cellors up, same as above, except gilt in place of white metal, 
and white instead of black grip. 

GAUNTLETS. - 

Black leather, military style, cuff to extend four and one-half 
inches up from its intersection with the hand, and to have a 
shield-shaped metal escutcheon of the Order (two inches in 
length) on back of cuff, or black kid gloves with patent leather 
cuffs (of proper length and color), separate or together, as most 
convenient to wearer (and in fatigue dress, white gloves without 
the cuffs). Knights, Chancellors, and Grand officers (of less 
rank than Grand Chancellor), silver-plated escutcheons. Grand, 
Past Grand Chancellors, and Supreme, and Past Supreme Chan- 
cellors, gold-plated escutcheons. 



Emblems of Official Rank. 



SHOULDER-STRAPS FOR OFFICERS. 

Supreme and Past Supreme Chancellors. 

ROYAL purple silk velvet, four inches long by two inches 
wide, outside measurement, bordered with three rows of 
corded embroidery in gold, each one-eighth of an inch 
wide, the escutcheon or crest of the Order at each end, and 
globe or world in centre. 
The Past Supreme Chancel- 
lors same as Supreme Chan- 
cellor, and to have in addi- 
tion three small stars in sil- 
ver, one at the centre of top, 
and one each at the right 
and left corners at the foot of the strap. 

All other Supreme officers same size, color and embroidery 
as Supreme Chancellor's, with the exception of the escutcheon 




264 



THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 



or crest at the ends, in place of which the initials (in old Eng- 
lish characters) of their office, as equally divided as possible, at 
each end of the strap, all in gold. 



PAST GRAND CHANCELLOR. 

Bright red silk velvet, four inches long by two inches wide, 

with two rows of corded 
embroidery each one-eighth 
of an inch wide, and escut- 
cheon or crest of the Order 
embroidered in the middle 
in gold, and the letters "P. 
G. C." (in old English 
characters), embroidered in 
silver on the lower end of the strap. 




GRAND CHANCELLOR. 

Bright orange silk velvet, same size and embroidery as P. 

G. C.'s, except in centre 
is embroidered, in silver, a 



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i\ gauntlet closed and grasp- 

?| ing the truncheon of office ; 

4| at the lower end of strap, in 

$\ silver (in old English char^ 



US! acters), the letters " G. C." 



ALL OTHER GRAND OFFICERS. 

Same size, design, color, shape, and embroidered as G. C, 
except in centre of strap a shield (instead of gauntlet, etc.); and 
at the lower end (in old English characters) the initials of their 
office, but all in silver. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 



265 



PAST CHANCELLOR. 

Bright emerald green silk velvet, three and one-half inches 
long by one and one-half 



inches wide, bordered with 
one row of embroidery, one- 
quarter inch wide, crossed 
battle-axes in centre, and 
letters "P. C." (in old 
English) at lower end, all in silver. 

CHANCELLOR COMMANDER. 

Bright blue silk velvet, same size and design as Past Chan- 
cellor in other respects, ex- ^jr,^^^^,^,^,^^-^^,^^^ 




cept in centre is embroider- 
ed, in silver, crossed swords, 
and a hand -lance in gold, 
running lengthwise of the 
strap, through the swords, 
head towards the foot, and the letters " C. C." (in old English 
characters) at the foot of the strap, in silver. 

VICE CHANCELLOR. 

The same as C. C, except instead of cross swords in centre, 
is simply a tilting lance, 
running lengthwise, head 
toward the foot of the strap, 
and letters "V. C." (in 
old English characters) on 
either side of the head of 
lance, all in silver. 

OTHER SUBORDINATE LODGE OFFICERS. 

Same as C. C. and V. Q, in color and embroidery, on edges, 
no design, but with simply the letters (in old English) or ini- 
tials indicative of the various officers in triangular arrangement 
in the centre. 
23 




266 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

DISTINCTIONS. 

Pages, Esquires, Knights, Chancellors, Past Chancellors, and 
Grand officers (of less rank than Grand Chancellor), will wear 
white metal, or silver wherever metal, embroidery, or lace ap- 
pears, unless otherwise specifically stated. Grand and Past 
Grand Chancellors, Supreme and Past Supreme officers, yellow 
metal or gold, wherever metal embroidery, or lace appears, 
unless otherwise specifically stated. 

Whereas, There exists considerable agitation among some of our Knights 
in the several jurisdictions, that the uniform adopted at the Philadelphia Ses- 
sion, 1 87 1, may be changed, and which impression has been detrimental to 
the object of uniforming, therefore, in order to satisfy the inquiries made, 
be it 

Resolved, 1st. That so much of the uniform adopted at said session, known 
as the Fatigue Dress, be re-adopted, and the Knights of the World are as- 
sured that this portion of the uniform is permanently established as a portion 
of our uniform. 2d. That the subject of uniforming shall not be compulsory 
upon the Knights of our Order, and that every member shall have the right 
to uniform or not, as they may deem proper. — Session of 1872. 

Resolved, That all portions of the uniform or Outside Regalia, as estab- 
lished by the action of this Supreme Body at its session held in Philadelphia, 
A. d. 1 87 1, P. P. the Eighth, except the helmet, oriflamme, gorget, and 
cloak, be and are hereby declared in its present shape and detail, the perma- 
nent uniform or Outside Regalia for the use of this Order, and which shall 
not be changed, mutilated, or reduced in any sense of substitution for the 
space and term of ten years from the date of this present session. — Session 
of 1872. 

THE FLAG OF THE ORDER. 

The Regulation Flag is to be six feet long, and two feet six 
inches wide. Any other sized Flag must be, in width, two- 
thirds of the length. 

Material to be Silk, Bunting, or Muslin. Colors, Blue, Yel- 
low, and Red, equal size, vertical. 

Shield of Supreme Lodge, Purple. P and Tilting Spear Yel- 
low. 

Shield of Grand Lodge, Red. P and Tilting Spear Yellow. 

Shield of Subordinate Lodge, Red and White, Red above. 
P and Tilting Spear Yellow. 




NEW REGULATION BANNER 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT- BOOK. 267 

The Shield, letter P, and Spear may be painted or worked. 

No other letter, mark, device, or figure of any kind whatever, 
should be placed upon the Flag, as it is the distinctive standard 
for a body of Knights of Pythias, Supreme, Grand, or Subordi- 
nate. 

The Tilting Spear distinguishes Knight, and the letter P 
Pythias. — Supreme Lodge, 1 8 7 1 . 

THE BANNER OF THE ORDER. 

The Banner of the Order shall be composed of three pieces of 
silk, of color and size as follows: Dark Blue, size 18x30 inches 
[upper left side]. Orange or Yellow, size 18 X30 inches [upper 
right side]. Crimson or Red, size 24x36 inches [below the 
blue and yellow]. Colors to be placed as per diagram. The 
full size of Banner to be 3x4^ feet. Shield in centre to be 
White, size 18 x 24 inches. The device on shield to be the dis- 
tinction of rank of Lodge — Supreme, Grand, or Subordinate. 

For Supreme Lodge. — A Globe, and in circle around it to be 
the words : ''Supreme Lodge of the World, Knights of Pythias. " 

For Grand Lodge. — The Grand Lodge or State seal, and in 

circle around the same: "Grand Lodge of Knights of 

Pythias." 

For Subordinate Lodge. — Knights Pythias' cut or escutcheon, 
with name and number of Lodge and location. 

On edge of Banner, all around, fine gold lines, \\ inches 
wide. On bottom, gilt fringe 3 or 3 J inches deep. Staff to be 
of oak or other suitable wood, 7 or 8 feet long. On top of 
staff, spear head ; on ends of cross-piece, ball and falcon spear 
heads. All marks, devices, designs, etc., on Banner to be in 
gold, or gold and black. 



ODES AND CHANTS 



FOR THE 



ORDER OF K. P. 

Published by Authority of the Supreme Lodge. 



OPENING ODE. 



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270 



THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 



CLOSING ODE. 



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Bless the angels that will keep 
Vigils o'er you while you sleep. 
Good-night. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 



271 



CLOSING ODE. 



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272 



THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 



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.For Subordinate JLodges. 

Words by H. R. WILLIAMS. 

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274 



THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 



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As rulers of our band, 
With willing heart and hand, 
T' obey your just command 

Shall be our aim. 

DEDICATION ODE. 

Words by Kev. JOEL SWARTZ. 



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DEDICATION ODE. -Concluded. 

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To keep our mystic banner bright, 

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No coward fear shall us divide, 
"Whatever fortune may betide, 
But, like brave Knights, we will outride 

Our most determined foe. 



3. And, should our single courage fail, 
And some brave heart begin to quail 

When standing all alone, — 
Here let it be our common aim, 

In F , C , B 's name, 

To fan the faint, expiring flame, 

Which once more brightly shone. 



276 



THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 



INSTALLATION ODE. 

For Supreme and Grand Officers. 

Words by Rev. JOEL SWARTZ. Music by J, H. R. 




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3. Cloth'd with your official honors, 

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Follow where you plant our banners, 
Worthy of our mottoes live. 



WELCOME SONG. 

Words by SEATOtf D0N0H0. 



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Come with B , come with B , 

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Heart to heart, true unity. 



24 



278 



THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 



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MARCH FOR THE FIRST DEGREE— SECOND PART. 

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GRAND MARCH. 

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282 



THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 



CLASP HAND IN HAND. 



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UNITED NOW. 



AULD LANG SYNE. 






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2. To C 's magic spell we yield A homage just - ly due, 

3. And by degrees we '11 take Degrees, Till all have Knights became; 

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We '11 show the world we mean to be Not merely knights by name. 



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THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 



GRAND RALLYING SONG. 

Words by SEATON DONOHO. 



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Whispering our motto-word of C . 

Chorus. — Hurrah for our Order, etc. 



3. Let us never faint or fear, but with eager steps advance, 

Shouting our motto-word of B , 

With Benevolence our shield, and with Charity our lance, 

Shouting our motto-word of B . 

Chorus.— Hurrah for our Order, etc. 



286 



THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 



GBAND MAKCH OP THE KNIGHTS OP PYTHIAS. 

0. E. VARDON, 
Introduction. 



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THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 



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BLANK FORMS USED BY KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS. 



FORM OF RECORDS OF A MEETING. 



Castle Hall of Gem City Lodge, No. 21, K. of P., 
Fort Madison, Iowa, December 11, 1876. 

Regular meeting of Gem City Lodge, No. 21, K. of P. 

Lodge opened in due form, Chancellor Commander J. D. M. Hamilton 
presiding. 

Roll of officers called, and Knights John H. Weston and M. Morris found 
to be absent. 

Minutes of previous meeting read and approved. 

Bro. A. L. Courtright, who was absent at the last regular meeting, stated 
that he was prevented from attending on account of sickness in his family. 
On motion, he was excused. 

Bro. A. Morrison announced that Bro. Charles P. Breitenstein, living on 
Front Street, was taken sick on Thursday last. 

The Chancellor Commander stated that he had called upon Bro. Taylor 
and found him very sick ; Bro. J. F. Edwards, improving ; and Bro. J. W. 
Albright, Jr., had gone to work. He ordered one week's benefits for Bros. 
Taylor and Edwards, and appointed Bros. Jacobs, Nunn, Rasnick, and Kiel 
to watch with Bro. Taylor during the nights of the coming v eek. 

The committee on the petition of G. N. Vermilion reported favorably. 
He was then balloted for, and elected. Mr. Vermilion being in waiting, the 
Lodge opened in the Rank of Page, when he was duly initiated into the 
mysteries of that Rank. 

The Lodge then closed in the Rank of Page and opened in that of Esquire. 
Page Gilmer being in waiting, and having been elected at a previous meet- 
ing, was proved in the Rank of Esquire. 

The Lodge was then duly closed in the Rank of Esquire and opened in 
the Rank of Knight. 

The petition of Dr. A. C. Roberts, recommended by Bros. McConn and 
Hale, was received, and referred to Bros. Blackburn, Babcock, and Prichett. 

The committee on new hall reported that they had conferred with J. D. 
Coriell and John C. Atlee relative to fitting up the third stories of their brick 
blocks, but had no definite proposition from either party. On motion, the 
committee was continued, with instructions to secure a more commodious 
hall. Bros. S. H. Craig and J. W. Frow were added to said committee. 

The amendment to the By-Laws, offered by Bro. Montandon, to make the 
dues $6.00 per annum instead of $4.00, was then taken up. After a spirited 
and lengthy discussion, the amendment was adopted. 

292 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 293 

The communication (No. 25) from the G. K. of R. and S., giving names 
of suspended and expelled members for the last term, was then read, and 
ordered filed. 

A communication (No. 26) was read from Capital City Lodge, No. 29, of 
Des Moines, Iowa, warning this Lodge against John E. Brown, an expelled 
member, who is travelling in Iowa, obtaining money from members of the 
Order. On motion, the communication was received and filed. 

The bill of James C. Adams for one cord of wood, at $4.00, was read, 
and ordered paid. 

DISBURSEMENTS : 

Bro. Taylor, benefits $5.00 

Bro. Edwards, benefits 5.00 

One cord of wood 4.00 

$14.00 
RECEIPTS FOR THE EVENING: 

G. N. Vermilion, fee for Page's Rank $10.00 

Jacob Stewart's fee for Esquire's Rank 5.00 

George W. Furtney, Jr., dues 4.00 

$19.00 

There being no further business, the Lodge closed in due form. 

R. G. RASNICK, 

K. of R. and S. 



PETITION FOR DISPENSATION. 



Snijhte of jpjthias, 



&o % (Srano Chancellor, @fficers anb Utembers of the <&ranb JCobge, i&tate of 

Gentlemen. — The undersigned respectfully petition your Honorable Body 
to grant them a Dispensation to establish a Lodge of Knights of Pythias, to 

be located in the town or city of , county of , 

said Lodge to be known as Lodge, No , of Knights 

of Pythias, of the State of and under your jurisdiction. 

Dispensation Fee enclosed, $ 



Name. 


Age. 


Occupation. 


Residence. 































25* 



294 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

DISPENSATION. 



Snijhta of §gtittes. 



lUtofo Ijjft, That the Grand Chancellor and Officers of the Grand Lodge of 

the State of , Knights of Pythias, 

Reposing especial trust and confidence in the following Knights and their 
successors. 



doth hereby grant this Dispensation to ^nsthate a ITobge at 

to be hailed by the title of Lodge, No , for the 

purpose of promulgating and practising the great principles of PYTHIAN 
FRIENDSHIP, and for the encouragement and support of Brother Knights 

when on travel or otherwise. And the said Lodge, No , being duly 

and lawfully formed, is hereby authorized and empowered to initiate into 
and confer the 

DEGREES OP PAGE, ESQUIRE, AND KNIGHT, 

according to the Constitution and General Laws of the Order, as established 
by the Supreme Lodge of the World, upon all persons duly proposed and 
lawfully qualified to receive the same, and to administer to Pages, Esquires, 
and Knights all the privileges and benefits arising from the Order. 

And the said Lodge, No , doth solemnly promise to act according to 

the laws of the Order, and in obedience to the commands and enactments of 
this Grand Lodge, until this Dispensation is revoked by a Charter from the 

Grand Lodge of the State of , which derives its authority from the 

Supreme Lodge of the World, Knights of Pythias. In default thereof, this 
Dispensation may be suspended or taken away at the pleasure of the 
Grand Chancellor. 



Jtt (Sfutiuss folweof, we have hereunto subscribed our names, 

and affixed the seal of this Grand Lodge, this 

day of Anno Domini and of 

the Pythian Period the 



Grand Chancellor, 
Attest, 

G. K of P. 6- S. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 2$$ 

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP. 



Snijgltte of $gihto. 



187. 

®o % ©ffieers anb Pembera of fobge, $0 of 

Having conceived a favorable impression of your Chivalric Order, both 
from observation and a perusal of the Constitution and By-Laws of your 
Lodge, I herewith present myself as a Candidate for Initiation, with a view 
to further advancement and membership. I am of sound bodily health, and 
a believer in the existence of a Supreme Being. If accepted, I promise a 
full and due observance of all Laws that may govern the Lodge and the 
Order. 

I have * before applied for initiation in Lodge. 

Signature Age 

Residence Occupation 

Place of Business 

Application must be made in the applicant's own handwriting. 

From personal knowledge of the above named applicant, we recommend 
that he be accepted. 

Bro Bro 

Fee enclosed, $ 

The initiation fee must accompany this application. 



[endorsement on back.] 
[No ] 

Application of for Initiation. 

A. D. 187 , P. P.,. 

Received and referred to 



Investigating 
Committee. 



J 

,A. D. 187 , P. P. 



296 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

We, the undersigned Committee, appointed to investigate the character and 
standing of the within named applicant, beg leave to report that we have 
attended to our duty, and 



- Committee. 



Applicant balloted for and A. D. 187 , and of the 

Pythian Period the Initiated 187 . 

Proved 187 . Charged 187 . 



K. of R. <5r» S. 
Fee, $ Received 187 . 



Master of Finance. 
APPLICATION FOR RANK OF ESQUIRE. 



Snigftte of fPsthias. 

JURISDICTION OF 

187. 

fro % ®ffims anb pembos of f obge, |to 

The undersigned, having been regularly initiated in the rank of PAGE, is 
now desirous of being further advanced in a knowledge of this Chivalric 
Order, and herewith respectfully petitions that, if deemed worthy, he may 
be proved in the Second or Armorial rank of ESQUIRE. 

Signature 

Fee, $ enclosed. 

[endorsement on back.] 

Stnijhte of jpgthiaa. 

Application of. for advancement to the Armorial 

Rank of Esquire. 

Received 187 

Applicant balloted for and A. D. 187 , and 

of the Pythian Period the 



K.of R.& S. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXTBOOK. 2QJ 

APPLICATION FOR RANK OF KNIGHT. 



Imighte of jpgthiaa. 

JURISDICTION OF 

187 . 

£0 ibe ©fficcrs mitt %$embm of , f obge, go 

The undersigned, having been regularly initiated in the Rank of PAGE, 
and proved in the Armorial Rank of ESQUIRE, again desires advancement, 
and respectfully petitions that he may receive a full knowledge of the mys- 
teries of this Order, by being charged in the high, honorable, and Chivalric 
Rank of KNIGHT, and also asks that he may be admitted a member of the 
Lodge. 

Signature 

Fee, % enclosed. 

[endorsement on back.] 

IitigMs of fjthtas. 

Application of for advancement to the Chivalric 

Rank of Knight, and to Membership. 

Received 187 

Applicant balloted for and A. D. 187 , and 

of the Pythian Period the 



K. of R.& S. 
CERTIFICATE OF MEMBERSHIP. 



Intghts of Pgtlums. 

STATE OF 

&Ijis is to artifj), that Brother was regularly admitted a 

of. No , by , on 

the day of , 18 

$n TOttusa fobmof, we have hereunto set our hands, and af- 
fixed the seal of our Lodge, this day of , 18 . 

c. a 

K.of R.& S. 



298 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

ADMISSION BY CARD. 



A. D., 187 , 

And of the Pythian Period the 

ffio Ibe #ffitm mto pcmbers of f obgt, $0 of 

I, the undersigned, a , and a member of the Order 

holding a valid Withdrawal Card, respectfully represent that I withdrew 

from Lodge, No , of. , 

in the Jurisdiction of .., on the day 

of , A. D., 187 , and of the Pythian Period the ; 

and now being desirous of again affiliating with the Order, do herewith pre- 
sent to your Chivalric Body the Withdrawal Card granted me by said 
Lodge, No.......... and most fraternally and respect- 
fully pray that it may be accepted, and that the Lodge will receive me 
as a member. If accepted, I promise a renewal of all my obligations, and 
a full and due observance of all the requirements of the Order. 

I have before presented my Withdrawal Card to 

Lodge. 

The prescribed fee, viz., $ , accompanies this application. 

Signature Age 

Residence Occupation 

Place of Business 

Application must be made in the applicant's own handwriting. 

From personal knowledge of the applicant, we recommend his prayer be 
granted. 

Bro Bro 

[endorsement on back.] 

fniights of fathtas. 

Application of for Admission by Card. 

A. D., 187 , P. P 

Received and referred to 

*"" I Investigating 
I Committee. 



.....A. D., 187 , P. P 

We, the undersigned Committee, appointed to investigate the character and 
standing of the within named applicant, beg leave to report that we have at- 
tended to our duty, and report 



Committee. 



Applicant balloted for and A. D., 187 , and 

of the Pythian Period the 



K.ofR.& S. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 299 

REINSTATEMENT. 



A. D., 187 , 

And of the Pythian Period the 

%a\\i ©fficers anfc P«mb«s of Iooq«, |to ,of 

The undersigned respectfully represents that he was formerly a member of 

your Lodge, but was suspended from membership 187 , 

for non-payment of dues, and wishing to be again enrolled on the Roster of 
your Chivalric Order, does hereby most respectfully petition to be reinstated 
into full membership in your Lodge and the Order. 

The amount of arrearages to the present date, viz., $ , accompanies 

this petition. 

Signature Age 

Residence Occupation 

Place of Business 

Application must be made in the applicant' s own handwriting. 

From personal knowledge of the applicant, we recommend his prayer be 
granted. 

Bro Bro 



[endorsement on back.] 
[No ] 

fnijgMa of f gthtass. 

Application of. for Reinstatement. 

A. D,, 187 , P. P. 

Received and referred to 



Investigating 
Committee. 



We, the undersigned Committee, appointed to investigate the character 
and standing of the within named applicant, beg leave to report that we have 
attended to our duty, and find that 



Committee. 



Applicant balloted for and A. D., 187 , and 

of the Pythian Period the 



K.ofR.& S. 
Fee,$ Received 187 . 



Master of Finance. 



300 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

COMMITTEE NOTICE. 



Intghte ajf $gthi&8. 



Castle Hall of Lodge, No , Jurisdiction of 

A. D., 187 

And of the Pythian Period the 

Bro. Knight 

You have been appointed, in connection with Brother Knights 



a Committee of Investigation on the application of Mr 

for Initiation. 

Place of Residence Place of Business 

Occupation Age 

A report will be due from you one week from the above date. 



[seal.] K.ofR.&> S. 



NOTIFICATION OF ELECTION. 



Smjhte of Islftias. 



Castle Hall of Lodge, No , Jurisdiction of 

A. D., 187 , 

And of the Pythian Period the 

To 

An application having been received from you for 

in this Lodge, upon a ballot being taken you were elected, and you are ac- 
cordingly notified to be present at the Castle Hall of this Lodge, No 

• Street, on evening, 

187 , at o'clock, at which place and 

time you will receive the honors conferred upon you by that election. 



[seal.] x. of R. & S. 

The Rank of Page is conferred on the first evening in each month. 

" " Esquire " « second " " " 

". " Knight " " third « " " 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 3OI 

NOTIFICATION OF REJECTION. 



Smahts of $gtMa& 

Castle Hall of Lodge, No , Jurisdiction of 

A. D., 187 , 

And of the Pythian Period the 

To 

It is my duty to notify you that, upon ballot being taken, an application 

from you for was rejected. 

The amount % , accompanying your application, is herewith returned. 



[SEAL.] K. of R. &> S. 

EXTRACT FROM THE LAWS OF THE ORDER. 

"... he shall be declared rejected, and no other balloting for the same applicant shall 
take place in any Lodge of the Order within the jurisdiction, until the expiration of six 
months thereafter." 



NOTIFICATION OF INDEBTEDNESS. 



$tihjhte of fgutias. 

Castle Hall of ....Lodge, No , Jurisdiction of 

A. D., 187 , 

And of the Pythian Period the 

To Bro 

You are hereby notified that you are in arrears, and indebted to this 
Lodge, as follows : 

For Quarterly Dues, from , 187 , to 

For Assessment, W. and O. Fund .... 
For Assessment, Funeral 



Fraternally Yours in F. C. B., 



87 



$ 



Total," 



Master of Finance. 
EXTRACT FROM THE CONSTITUTION. 
"Any member six months in arrears to the Lodge shall be declared suspended from all ben- 
efits and privileges ; and any member who is one year in arrears shall be declared suspended 
from membership until the payment of his arrearages ; and no brother shall receive the S.A. 
P.W. unless he is square upon the books; nor can any brother be permitted to remain in 
the Lodge-Room unless he is in possession of the S.A. P.W." — Article IX., Section 1. 
26 



302 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

NOTIFICATION OF SUSPENSION. 



Intjgltte of $gthi&s. 

Castle Hall of Lodge, No , Jurisdiction of 

A. D., 187 , 

And 0/ the Pythian Period the 

To 

It is my duty to notify you, that being in arrears to this Lodge to the 

amount of $ , one year's dues, your case was brought to the notice 

of the Lodge at the stated meeting held 187 , 

and in accordance with the provisions of Article X., Section I., of the Consti- 
tution you are declared suspended from membership from that date. 



[seal.] K.ofR.Zs* S. 

OFFICIAL RECEIPT FOR DUES. 



[Not genuine unless bearing on its back the Seal of the Supreme Lodge, and 
signature of the Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal.] 

No $nhae, |to JL of $. 

187 

Received of Brother 

Dues from ,187 , to ,187 . . . $ 

Assessments .......... 

Widows' and Orphans' Fund . . . . . . 

Other Claims 

Total, 



Master of Finance. 
[Impress Lodge Seal on this Receipt.] 

[PRINTED ON BACK.] 

LEGISLATION ON RECEIPT FOR DUES. 

OFFICE OF THE SUPREME K. OF R. & S. \ 

Columbus, Ohio, June 24, 1875. > 
Pythian Period XIV. J 

At the Seventh Annual Session of the Supreme Lodge Knights of Pythias of the World, 
held in the city of Washington, Grand Jurisdiction of the District of Columbia, May 18, 19, 
20, 21, and 22, 1875, the following was adopted : 
" Whereas, Much trouble and difficulty have from time to time occurred from the want 
e a u a " tn ° ntatlve receipt which shall, upon its face, not only show the payment of all claims 
of the Lodge against a Brother but also be authoritative evidence to the Order throughout 
the world, not rnly of membership, but good standing in the Order; therefore, be it 

Resolved, That the Supreme Chancellor and Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal be, 
and hereby are, authorized to issue receipts, which shall be furnished to all Grand and Sub- 
ordinate Lodges at #2.00 per 100 ; and that no receipt shall be authoritative or evidence of 
payment of dues, assessments, or other claims of the Lodge against a member of a Subor- 
dinate Lodge, unless written upon such receipt, and bearing the Seal of the Supreme Lodge. 
"Resolved, That the receipt above mentioned go into effect on and after July 1, 1875." . 

Joseph Dowdall, 
[seal.] s. K. of R. S* S, 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 303 

NOTIFICATION OF REINSTATEMENT. 



Iniflhte 4 f gtttiu. 

Castle Hall of Lodge, No .Jurisdiction of 

A. D. 187 , 

And of the Pythian Period the...... 

To 

Your application for reinstatement in this Lodge has been duly con- 
sidered, and I hereby notify you that the Lodge has decided to grant your 
petition, and accordingly you are reinstated in this Lodge, thereby again be- 
coming entitled to all privileges, benefits, and honors arising from the Order. 



[seal.] 



K.ofR. &»S. 



NOTICE OF REJECTIONS, SUSPENSIONS, ETC. 



To 



Castle Hall of Lodge, No 

A. D., 187 , 

And of the Pythian Period the 



Grand Keeper of Records and Seal, 

Sir and Brother : In accordance with the requirements of the Constitu- 
tion for Subordinate Lodges, you are hereby notified that the following named 
persons were by this Lodge, on Evening, 187 . 



Names. 


Age. 


Occupation. 


Residence. 


Remarks. 







































Fraternally Yours, in F. C. B. 



[SEAL.] K. of R.& S. 

[This Blank to be used for Rejections, Suspensions, and Reinstatements.] 

[ENDORSEMENT ON BACK.] 

NOTICE OF REJECTIONS, SUSPENSIONS, ETC. 

ixom £obge, gjto 

A. D., 187 , 

And of the Pythian Period the 



304 



THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 
NOTIFICATION OF ATTENDANCE. 



Snijhte 0| f gtttmn. 

Castle Hall of Lodge, No , Jurisdiction of 

A. D., 187 , 

And of the Pythian Period the 

To Bro 

You are hereby notified to attend a convention of this Lodge, to be held 

on evening, being the day of... , 

187 , at o'clock, at the usual place of meeting. 

The special business of this Convention is 

Per order, 

[seal.] K. ofR. '& S. 

OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES. 



Castle Hall of Lodge, No , Jurisdiction of 

For the Term commencing 187 , and ending 187 . 

Roll of Officers. 



Titles. 


Names of Officers. 
















p. c 


















c. c 


















v. c 


















p 


















K. of R. & S. 
M. of F 


































M. of E 


















M. at A 

I. G 


































O. G 





































If absent at Roll-Call, mark thus, | ; but if present during the meeting, to be marked thus,— 

Representative, Trustees, Attendants, and Standing 

Committees. 
Representative to Grand Lodge. Auditing Committee. 



Trustees. 



Attendants. 



Relief Committee. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 305 

SUMMONS. 



Inijjhte *\ Isthiss. 

Hall of Lodge, No 

A. D., 187 . 

Bro. Knight 

You are hereby summoned to attend a convention of this Lodge, to be held 

on evening, being the day of , 

187 , at o'clock, at the usual place of meeting; and in evidence of 

which, herewith witness our hands and Seal of said Lodge, at , 

this day of , 187 , and of Pythian Period the 

, C.C. 

[SEAL.] , K. of R. & S. 

APPLICATION FOR DISPENSATION. 

Inljhte of fgthm 

Castle Hall of Lodge, No 



A. D., 187 , 

And 0/ the Pythian Period the 

To 

District Deputy Grand Chancellor, Pythian District. 

Sir and Brother : This Lodge submits this application for a Dispensa- 
tion to your consideration, and respectfully asks that the same may be granted. 



No. 



Purpose. 



Name, Age, Occupation, and 
Residence of Candidate. 



Reasons for Appli- 
cation. 



The prescribed Fee, $ , is herewith enclosed. 

Fraternally submitted, in F. C. B., 

[seal.] , C. C. 

Attest: , K. of R. &> S. 

[endorsement on back.] 
APPLICATION FOR DISPENSATION. 

<from f obgc, go , district go 

A. D., 187 , 

And of the Pythian Period the 

No Purpose 

Name of Candidate 

Application received and approved, and a Dispensation ..granted 

A. D., 187 , and of the Pythian Period the 

Amount of Fee, $ , forwarded to G. K. of R. & S. 



Dist. Deputy G. C Pythian Dist. 

to 1 

U 



[The Deputy will forward this Application to the G. C, with his Report for the term.] 



306 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

APPLICATION FOR INSTALLATION. 



gnighte of JPatWaa. 



Castle Hall of Lodge, No , Jurisdiction of 

A. D., 187 

And the Pythian Period the 

To P. C 

District Deputy Grand Chancellor of. Pythian District. 

Sir and Brother: At the stated meeting held 187 , 

the Brethren named below were elected Officers of this Lodge for the ensu- 
ing term, and they, together with such appointive Officers as may be selected, 

will be ready for installation on evening, 187 , 

at which time the Lodge will be pleased to receive you in your official 
capacity for the performance of that duty. 

C.C K.ofR. &S. 

V. C M. of F. 

P M. of E. 

Fraternally Yours in F. C. B., 



' 



[SEAL.] K.ofR.&S. 

CERTIFICATE OF GOOD STANDING. 



Iniflhte of Istltias. 



Castle Hall of Lodge, No , Jurisdiction of 

To any Chancellor Commander, Greeting : 

This certifies that the bearer, Bro ,a in rank, is a 

member in good standing on the Roster of this Lodge, and is fully qualified 

and entitled to receive the S. A. P. W. for the term ending 

he being square on the books to that date ; and it is our request that you 
communicate the same to him, first proving him, by an examination, to be a 
member of the Order. 

|n TOtness fobereof, we have hereunto affixed our hands 

and the Seal of this Lodge, at this the 

[SEAL.] day of A. D. 187 , and of the 

Pythian Period the 

""c. C. 

K.ofR.&S. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. S°7 

PAST CHANCELLOR CREDENTIAL. 



InijMa oj fgtftta, 



[Note. — The "Pythian Period" commences on February 19, 1864, and runs 
Yearly from that date.] 

Castle Hall of Lodge, No , Jurisdiction of 

®hte ig to Ccrtxfg, That P. C , having been 

duly qualified, passed the C. C.'s chair of this Lodge, being clear of the 
books, and under no charge, is fully qualified and entitled to become a mem- 
ber, and be enrolled as such upon the Grand Roster of the Grand Lodge 
Knights of Pythias of. 

§Jn Witness fctbmof, we have hereunto affixed our hands 

and the Seal of this Lodge, this day 

of. , A. D. 187 , and of Pythian 

Period the at 



C. C. 



[seal.] K.ofR.S* S. 

Memoranda, f Past Chancellor's Occupation 

which invariably put in : j „ I^ttM\\\\7//"/.V."!!.'."""".".! 

To be filled in duplicate, one to be given to the person entitled, the other sent to G. K. 
of R. &S. 

[ENDORSEMENT ON BACK.] 

PAST CHANCELLOR CREDENTIAL 

Of. , Issued by Lodge, No 

187 , to the Grand Lodge K. of P. of. 

for Session of. 187 . Received and Filed 187 , 

and referred to Committee on Returns and Credentials. 



G. K. o/R. & S. 

Received the within Credential from the G. K. of R. & S. in regular course, 

have examined the same and find it correct, in accordance with the laws 

of this Grand Lodge, and the bearer entitled to admission to the Grand 

Lodge K. of P. of. , and all rights and privileges accruing 

to him under this said Credential. 



Chairman Com. on R. &~ C. 

I8 7 . 

Remarks 



308 



THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 



PAST CHANCELLOR'S TRANSFER CREDENTIAL. 

fnighte ofl §QtMu. 

Castle Hall of Lodge, No , Jurisdiction of 

[Note. — The " Pythian Period " commences on February, 19, 1864, and runs 
Yearly from that date.] 

${ps is to Certifg, That having been 

duly qualified and advanced to the Rank of Past Chancellor of this Lodge, 
being clear of the Books and under no charge, is hereby granted this transfer 
Crebnttial indicating his Rank, which fully entitles him to be enrolled as such 
by any Lodge K. of P. when otherwise having conformed to the laws of the 
Order by presenting and depositing a Withdrawal Card in due and regular 
form, and thereupon he shall be recognized with the Rank and title of Past 
Chancellor upon the Roster of any Lodge of which he becomes a member. 
Jftt Witness iotyttoi, we have hereunto affixed our hands 

and the Seal of this Lodge, this day 

[SEAL.] of , A. D., 187 , and of Pythian Period 

the at 

C. C. 

K. ofR. & S. 



Memoranda, 
which invariably put in 



.{ 



Past Chancellor's Occupation. 

Age 

" Residence .. 



[endorsement on back.] 



GRAND LODGE AUTHENTICATION. 

STfji's is to dertifg, that Past Chancellor 

of. Lodge, No 

became a member of, was regularly invested 
with said high, honorable, and responsible 
rank, and has been enrolled on the Roster 
of the Grand Lodge of. , as en- 
titled to and bearing the same, at the session 
of that Grand Body, held in the month of 

, A. D., 187 , and of the P. P. 

the in the City of. 

5n OTitness mftercof, herewith 

find my official signature and seal 

[G. l. s.] of the Grand Lodge K. of P. of. ... 



G. K. o/R. &> S. 

SUBORDINATE LODGE AUTHENTICATION. 

£f)ts is to Cevtifg, That Past Chancellor 



became a member of this Lodge by deposit- 
ing a Withdrawal Card in regular form, in 
accordance with the laws of the GRAND 

LODGE K. OF P. OF , with 

the evidence of having attained the rank of 
Past Chancellor, by this proper Credential. 
Now, therefore, do we hereby authenticate 
the same by the signatures as below and 

Seal of this Lodge, this day of. , 

187 , and of P. P. the at Castle Hall 

of. Lodge, No , K. of P. 

G c. 

[seal.] K. o/R. &>S. 



THE TRANSFER CREDENTIAL 
of p. c , 

issued by Lodge, No , 

187 , to the GRAND 

LODGE K. OF P. OF 

Received and Filed 187 , 

and referred to Committee on Returns and 
Credentials. 



G. K. o/R. &> S. 

Received the within Credential from the 
G. K. of R. & S. in regular course, have 

examined the same and find it ..correct, 

in accordance with the laws of this Grand 
Lodge, and the bearer entitled to ad- 
mission to the GRAND LODGE K. OF P. 

OF , and all rights and 

privileges accruing to him under this said 
Credential. 



Chairman Com. on R. &. C. 
187 • 



Remarks. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 309 

REPRESENTATIVE CREDENTIAL. 



SnfjMs of luthfaa. 

[Note. — The " Pythian Period" commences on February 19, 1864, and runs 
Yearly from that date.] 

Castle Hall of Lodge, No , Grand Jurisdiction of 

©bis is to (Kertifg, That Past Chancellor 

has been duly elected a Representative of this Lodge, to the Grand Lodge 

Knights of Pythias of , to serve from the 

day of , 187 , to the Annual Session of the Grand Lodge, 

held the day of , 187 , P. P. the 

§ltt Witness fohtreof, we have hereunto affixed our hands 

and the Seal of this Lodge, this day 

[SEAL.] of. A. D., 187 , and of Pythian Period 

the , at 



Attest : 



C. C. 

K. of R.& S. 
Memoranda, | Representative's Occupation 



Age.... 
which invariably put in : j « Residence 



To be filled in duplicate, one to be given to the person entitled, the other sent to G. K. 
of R. and S. 

[ENDORSEMENT ON BACK.] 

REPRESENTATIVE CREDENTIAL 

Of P. C , Issued by Lodge, No 

187 , to the Grand Lodge K. of P. of. 

for Session of 187 . Received and Filed 187 , 

and referred to Committee on Returns and Credentials. 



G. K. of R. & S. 

Received the within Credential from the G. K. of R. & S. in regular course, 

have examined the same and find it correct, in accordance with the laws 

of this Grand Lodge, and the bearer entitled to admission to the Grand 

Lodge K. of P. of , and all rights and privileges accruing 

to him under this said Credential. 



Chairman Com. on R. 6r» C. 

187 • 

Remarks 



3IO THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

PETITION FOR CHARTER. 



f nighte of $gtto< 



&o fyt (Sranb Chancellor, #fluers, anb |$UmbMS of % (Sranb iTobge, (Sranb fnria- 
bictiort of 

The undersigned, officers of, and acting in behalf of 

Lodge, U. D., located at , in this Grand Jurisdiction, 

would represent that said Lodge was instituted on the day of 

, 187 , with members; that it now has a 

total of. members; that they have conformed to, and worked under 

the Laws of the Grand Lodge of this Jurisdiction and the usages of the Order ; 
have made the proper Returns required by the Laws of the Grand Lodge, 
which have passed examination and been pronounced correct by your " Grand 
Keeper of Records and Seal," as also your " Committee on Returns and Cre- 
dentials; " and knowing of no lawful reason or hindrance thereto, tender here- 
with the amount fixed by law, as the fee in such cases provided, and ask that 
A CHARTER, WITH ARMORIAL ESCUTCHEON AND NUMERI- 
CAL SHIELD therein, be issued to them, and that they be enrolled on the 

ROSTER OF LODGES 
of this Grand Jurisdiction in accordance therewith; and renewing our fealty 
to the Laws, enactments, and decisions of the Grand Lodge, and the rules, 
usages, and work of the Order, we respectfully and fraternally submit this, 

our official request, for your approval or dissent, this day of 

, 187 , and of the Pythian Period the 

Charter Fee enclosed, $ 

a a 

[seal.] Attest: K.ofR.&S. 

2Cf)t3 is to derlffg, that the above named Lodge, under Dispensation, 

having been under my official supervision since 187 , it gives me much 

pleasure to approve this petition, and I would most respectfully recommend that the prayer 
contained therein be granted, and that a valid and regular CHARTER be issued to them 
by the Grand Lodge. 



District Deputy Grand Chancellor. 

A. D. 187 

And o/the Pythian Period the 



[ENDORSEMENT ON BA.CK.] 

PETITION FOR CHARTER 

B Y Lodge, U. D. Made A. D. 187 

_, „ , , And of the Pythian Period the 

Charter Granted by the 

GRAND LODGE, 

At -: : Session and issued to the following named 

parties, viz. : 

P- C. M. of F. 

C. C. M. ofE. 

V. C. M. at A. 

P. I. G. 

K.ofR. &S O. G. 

0n A. D. 187 , and of the Pythian Period the 



G. K. o/R. &* S. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 



311 



LODGE, No. 



187 



Name. 



Age. Occupation. Motto 



Password. 



Original Signature, No 

Witness , K. of R. cV S. 



APPLICATION FOR CARD. 



Snfjjhts of Istttias. 



A. D., 187 , 

And of the Pythian Period the 

£0 \\i |5oarb of (Sranb Officers of % <§rano ^Cobgc of 

I, the undersigned, a Knight, respectfully represent that I was formerly a 

member of Lodge, No ,of. , now defunct; 

that I was in good standing at the time of its dissolution, and now wishing 
to be again enrolled as a member of the order, do hereby most respectfully 
petition for a Withdrawal Card. 

If it is granted, I promise a renewal of my obligations, with a full and due 
observance of all the requirements of the order. 

The amount due the Lodge, $ , also prescribed fee for Card $ , 

accompanies. 

Signature 

Age Residence 

Occupation Place of Business 

Application must be made in the applicant's own handwriting 

From personal knowledge of the applicant, we recommend his prayer be 
granted. 

Bro Bro 



[endorsement on back.] 

intghts of f gthiaa. 



Application for Withdrawal Card, by. 

of Lodge, No , of 

Received 187 

Referred to board for action 187 

Voted, That the application be 

Card forwarded , 187 



G. K. of R. & S. 



312 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS, ETC. 

DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND CHANCELLOR'S 
COMMISSION. 



f nigltte of fjgtttma. 

Office of the Grand Chancellor of the Grand Lodge "1 

Knights of Pythias, Jurisdiction of I 

187 , 

P.P. J 

%a JP Wifyam i\m J resents wag $,amz t greeting : 

ftnofo fe, That I, Grand Chancellor 

of the Grand Lodge of , by virtue of the authority vested in me, do 

hereby constitute, authorize, and commission Past Chancellor 

of Lodge, No , District Deputy 

Grand Chancellor for the District of or otherwise, 

as by me directed, where his Official duties for, or during the term ending 

187 , (and until his successor is duly qualified) may 

require, to act according to, and under my instructions as the GRAND 
CHANCELLOR of this Grand Jurisdiction and the Constitution and Laws 

governing the Grand Lodge, K. of P., of , or until revoked by me as 

said Grand Chancellor, prior to the expiration of hereinbefore mentioned 
term. 

It is the duty of the said Deputy to see that the work of the Order is cor- 
rectly communicated to those entitled to receive it, and to see that the Laws 
are strictly enforced. 

It is the duty of all Lodges in said Jurisdiction to yield obedience to all 
lawful instructions of the said Deputy. 

Let all our acts be characterized by energy, fidelity, and devotion to the 
principles of our most Honorable Order. 

$tt Witness fobmof, I have hereunto set my hand, and 

caused the Seal of the Grand Lodge of. to be 

[seal.] affixed at this 

day of. 187 . 



Grand Chancellor. 



Attest: 



G. K. ofR. 6* S. 



COMPLE TE MANUAL AND TEXT-B OOK. 3 1 3 

Public Form of Installation for Subordinate Lodges. 

[The Installing Officer shall be the Grand Chancellor.] 

In case of absence of the Grand Chancellor, he shall have power 
to appoint a deputy, who shall, during the installation, be en- 
titled to the same respect as the Grand Chancellor. 

The Lodge being opened in the Knights' Rank, formally or 
informally, the Order of Business being suspended or disposed 
of at secret session, if the installation be a public one, if not, 
it shall be suspended until after the installation is completed. 

Should there be present any other officers of the Grand or Su- 
preme Lodge than the Grand Chancellor or deputy, they shall 
be seated in line with Grand Chancellor at head of hall, and 
the Chancellor Commander shall sit in front and to the right 
of installing officer, in the rear of the Master-at-Arms. 

All being in readiness [the Grand Chancellor or deputy in the 
anteroom], the O. G. approaches the inner door and gives the 
usual alarm of the Knight Rank ; on the wicket being raised 
he announces. 

Should the installation be public, any suitable alarm may be 
given at the inner door. 

On entrance of Master-at-Arms with Grand Chancellor, after 
the salutation of Chancellor Commander, the Knights shall be 
called to their feet and remain standing until seated by the 
Grand Chancellor. 

Should it be a public installation, with un-uniformed Knights, 
a simple military salute with the hand may be given to Grand 
officer at the command of the C. C. 

0. G. — Grand Chancellor [or Deputy Grand Chan- 
cellor, as the case may be] seeks audience of this Lodge, in 
keeping with the duties of his rank, for installation purposes. 

1. G. — Vice Chancellor. 
V. C. — Inner Guard. 

I. G. — Grand Chancellor [or deputy] is here without, 

and by official rank demands admittance to install our honored 
Knights. 



314 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

V. C. — Chancellor Commander. 

C. C. — Vice Chancellor. 

V. C. — Our Grand Chancellor [or deputy] is without, and 
through the Inner Guard demands official entrance here for in- 
stallation purposes. 

C. C. — Master-at-Arms. 

M.-at-A. — Chancellor Commander. 

C. C. — Go, give our visitor a knightly conduct to our Castle 
Hall, and make a due inspection of his warrant. 

[M.-at-A. retires and makes examination, then gives alarm at 
the door.] 

M.-at-A. — Report the fact; I find him well invested. 

I. G. — Chancellor Commander. 

C. C. — Inner Guard. 

I. G. — Our Master-at-Arms announces him as duly author- 
ized. 

C. C. — Unbar the door and bid them enter. [Both enter, 
and salute. C. C. returns it.] 

C. C. [raps.] Attention, Knights [if armed] draw swords, 
carry arms, present swords, [grand honors, ~] carry arms, 

C. C. — Grand Chancellor, is there official purport in this 
visit? and being so, please state the cause, that we may know it 
more directly from yourself. 

G. C. — Chancellor Commander, officially, by order of the 
body to whom I am responsible, I come to legalize the honors 
which your members have bestowed on worthy Knights, and I 
request that you vacate your chair and send your gavel to me by 
a messenger. 

[Gavel is sent by M.-at-A. Grand Chancellor advances to C. 
C. station and gives command, return swords ; raps.] 

G. C. [to C. C] — Be seated at my side, good Knight. 
Keeper of Records and Seal. 

K. of R. and S. — Grand Chancellor. 

G. C. — You will announce to me the names of all the offi- 
cers elect, and to what station each has been assigned. [K. of 
R. and S. reads same.] 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 315 

G. Q. — Knights, are these the officers you saw fit to choose ? 

Knights [all]. — They are, Grand Chancellor. 

G. C. — Keeper of Records and Seal. 

K. of R. and S. — Grand Chancellor. 

G. C. — Have the commands touching reports and tribute 
been obeyed ? 

K. of R. and S. — Each to the letter has been faithfully ob- 
served. 

G. C. — Good Knights, before I enter further on the duties 
that have brought me here, I ask you, Do you rest content and 
still maintain your choice of officers ? 

Knights [all].— We do. 

G. C. — 'Tis well ! Master-at-Arms. 

M.-at-A. — Grand Chancellor. 

G. C. — Present the retiring Chancellor Commander before 
me. P. C, you will vacate your seat for your successor. 

M.-at-A. — Grand Chancellor, your order is obeyed; he 
stands before you. 

G. C. — In view of honors done you by this Lodge, whose 
votes have raised you to the high estate from which you now 
retire, it is the purpose of my presence here to seal to you the 
tank you have attained, that every Knight, in every clime, may 
know you as a man both good and true, bearing endorsement of 
the trust reposed and well maintained. Master-at-Arms. 

[M.-at-A. stands during obligation at the rear and to the 
right of Grand Chancellor [if armed, with sword at carry].] 

M.-at-A. — Grand Chancellor. 

G. C. — To the altar lead our brother Knight, and bid him 
there assume position to be obligated. 

M.-at-A. — Grand Chancellor, your order is obeyed. 

[G. C. approaches altar.] 

G. C. — In view of this, our setting seal to your acquired 
rank, I will request you to follow after me, using your name 
where I use mine. 

[Raps.] 



3 1 6 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

OBLIGATION. p 

I, , ere I attain the honors I desire, do most sin- 
cerely swear that I shall ever guard our Order from disgrace and 
shield it from a threatened wrong or ignominy, no matter how 
dear to me the deep transgressor is. That I shall hold it as my 
duty to enforce the law for violation of a pledge once given 
here, no odds on whom the weight of punishment may fall. I 
further swear that every duty of my office shall be filled with the 
best service then at my command, and due obedience shall be 
rendered unto him who takes my place. I further swear that I 
shall never recognize anybody as a ruling power save it shall be 
the Grand or Supreme conclaves duly elected from the Castle 
Halls of State or States, and in a strict conformity with law ; to 
all of this I give my knightly oath. So help me God. 

[Kisses book.] 

[Raps.] 

G. C. — As a Past Chancellor, I most gladly welcome you, 
and, in token of our fealty, I grasp your hand over this volume 
of our law. 

Your station for the term shall be in line of juncture of the 
two triangles facing the Prelate on the other side. 

[Both take their seats.]* 

G. C. — Has any Knight objections to advance against the 
mission I am here to fill? 

Knights. — None. 

G. C. — Are ye content to have me ratify your choice, and 
set my seal to their official rank? 

Knights. — We are. 

G. C. — This being so, Master-at-Arms, you will array the 
officers elect before me, and seat them in the order of their 
offices. 

* The Master-at-Arms during obligations shall act as a guard of honor to 
the G. C, seating himself after that officer is seated. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 2> l 7 

INSTALLATION ODE. 

Hail, Brother Knights, all hail! 
May friendship long prevail 

To bind us fast. 
May harmony and peace 
Our happiness increase, 
And friendship never cease, 

While life shall last. 

Hail, Officers elect, 
With honor and respect 

We welcome you. 
As rulers of our band, 
With willing heart and hand, 
T' obey your just command 

Shall be our aim. 

[This being done] 

Chancellor elect, are you aware of the high honor that these 
Knights confer upon you, and the grave duties you must now 
assume ? 

Chancellor elect. — I am. 

G. C. — In view of this, do you desire to assume the station? 

C. elect. — I do. 
- G. C. — Retire to the altar, that you may there take official 
obligation, [placing yourself in the position you were last in- 
structed inJ\ Raps. [G. C. stands at altar.] In public, officer 
elect opposite. Right hand resting on Book of Law, left hand 
over heart. 

OBLIGATION. 

I, , do now sincerely asseverate and swear, that I 

will truly and faithfully, to the best of my ability, perform the 
duties of Chancellor Commander of this Lodge for the present 
term ; that I will not infringe on the Laws of the Order, nor per- 
mit others so to do, if in my power to prevent it ; that I will 
govern the Lodge in a fair, just, and impartial manner, and allow 
nothing of a political or sectarian nature to be brought before it; 
that I will visit the sick, relieve the distressed, and, aided by 
my brother Knights, care for the widow and the orphan, as well 
as faithfully comply with the Constitution and By-Laws of this 
27* 



318 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Lodge, and of the Grand Lodge ; and I also promise that I will 
obey all orders emanating from the Grand Lodge, or of the 
Grand Chancellor during its recess. I furthermore promise, 
declare, and swear, that I will conduct myself as a true Knight in 
every particular, and on our Book of Law I pledge my sacred 
honor. 

I also solemnly swear, that I am not now, nor will I ever, so 
long as remaining a member of the Order of K. P., become a 
member of, or affiliate with any body, under whatsoever name, 
claiming to be a higher branch, or side Rank, of the K. of P., 
unless under the control, guidance of, and fully recognized as 
such by the Supreme Lodge K. of P. of the World, and in evi- 
dence of which I hereunto pledge my sacred word of honor. 

[Three raps.] 

Chancellor Commander, upon your shoulders rest the ruling 
and well-being of this Lodge. You have been honored with its 
highest gift : see to it that the trust is not misplaced. Govern 
the Lodge without fear or favor, and while firm in all 
things, never cease to be the courteous Knight. Blot out your 
own opinion for the time, and let your mind be as a scale which 
shall weigh with equity the matters coming to your chair for 
judgment. 

Master-at-Arms. 

M.-at-A. — Grand Chancellor. 

G. C. — Bring me the jewels and insignia of the office. 

[They are brought.] 

I now invest you with this honorable badge, the emblem of 
your office. Be seated at my right. 

Master-at-Arms, you will conduct the Vice Chancellor elect, 
and place him in position at the altar. 

M.-at-A. — The officer is duly placed. 

[G. C. gives — Raps.] 

OBLIGATION. 

Ij , do sincerely asseverate and swear, that I will 

perform the duties of my station as becomes a true Knight, and 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 319 

will assist the Chancellor Commander in preserving order, and 
in his absence will preside over the Lodge in a just and impar- 
tial manner ; and that I will endeavor to conform to all the rules 
and regulations governing the Lodge ; and will, to the best of 
my ability, strive to prevent the members of this Lodge from 
violating any of the fundamental principles of the Order. All 
this I promise of my own accord, upon my sacred honor as a 
Knight. 

[G. C. gives — Raps.] 

To you is now committed the entire charge of all within your 
own triangle, subject to orders from your Chancellor Commander, 
who holds authority in both. The portals of the Lodge shall 
be your special charge, and you shall see that the Inner Guard 
obeys your orders faithfully. It shall be your duty to aid the 
Chancellor in his enforcement of the law, visit your comrades if 
afflicted by sickness or distress, keep to your sworn promises, 
and bear our mottoes in your memory. 

Master-at-Arms, bring me the jewels of his office. I now 
invest you with these badges of your rank ; assume your station. 

Prelate elect, do you accept your office? 

Prel. — So please you, Grand Chancellor, I do. 

G. C. — As in your office you are witness and most instrumen- 
tal in the pledging of our Knights, it shall be set as naught but 
justice to ourselves, that you are bound by double tie to us, to 
give the obligations of the Ranks intact, and to perform such 
other sacred duties as are encompassed by the office you shall 
hold, or henceforth shall be ordered by your Chancellor ; there- 
fore, you will repair unto the altar, and in the presence of your 
brother Knights make vow to me. 

[Goes to altar, followed by G. C, and assumes position.] 

[Raps.] 

OBLIGATION. 

I, , before these lawful Knights, do truly swear and 

pledge my Knightly word that I shall fully administer the obli- 
gations of the Ranks, neither adding thereto nor taking from, a 
word, or line, that may impair the meaning of the oath ; that I 



320 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

shall obey the Chancellor Commander of the Lodge, and fill the 
duties that the station does impose, so help me God, and may 
He keep me faithful to the same. 

[Raps.] 

Be seated at your post. 

[G. C. returns to his seat.] 

Master-at-Arms. 

M.-at-A. — Grand Chancellor. 

G. C. — Are the officers elect before me? 

M.-at-A. — They are. 

[Rap with gavel.] 

G. C. — Keeper of Records and Seal, it is my order that you 
be invested with the badge of your distinguished office. Let 
your books be an evidence of a well-ordered mind, be prompt in 
all your duties, and remember you yourself will leave for future 
Knights a truthful record of your capability. 

[Invests him with the emblem of his office. Remains stand- 
ing.] 

Master of Finance, before you assume the insignia of your 
rank, it is my duty to explain to you the business of your office. 
You must keep an accurate account between the Lodge and all 
its members ; notify all who are in arrears ; receive all moneys, 
turning them over immediately to the Master of Exchequer, and 
receiving in return a full receipt ; and when your term of office 
reaches to its close, make out a full report, and be in all things 
guided by the requirements of the Constitution of the Order and 
the mandates of your Chancellor. Master-at-Arms, invest the 
officer with all the insignia of his rank. 

[Remains standing.] 

Master of Exchequer, you are the guardian of the Knights' 
purse. A most important officer, you are the holder of the mo- 
tive power that stimulates our usefulness towards all the world. 
Be just and accurate, pay all orders legally drawn upon you in 
proper constitutional form, and perform faithfully the duties laid 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT BOOK. 321 

down within our law. Master-at-Arms, clothe him as becomes 
his new official rank. 

[Remains standing.] 

Inner and Outer Guards, your duties are laid down within 
your ritual. On you the sanctity of our retreat depends. Keep 
faithful watch and ward, as well becomes the office of a guard. 
Be stationed at your posts. 

Master-at-Arms, for your good offices you have our thanks. 
Present your new successor, that I may relieve you from your post. 

[Presents him.] 

Master-at-Arms elect, on you a weight of grave responsibili- 
ties reposes, and much of the successful working of the Ranks is 
in your hands. The property within this Castle Hall shall be 
your special care. Be watchful of the duties that your office 
bears. 

Master-at-Arms, conduct each and every officer elect before our 
Prelate's station at the altar, who will administer the final oath. 

[The newly-elected Master-at-Arms does not take his station 
until after the obligation is finished, and the Grand Chan- 
cellor has ordered each officer to his station.] 

' M.-at-A. — Prelate, by order of the Grand Chancellor, I pre- 
sent these newly-elected officers for final obligation. 

Prelate. — Knights, you will {assume position for obligation 
and) repeat after me. 

I, , here, in the presence of my brother Knights, 

whose trust has been reposed in me, do truly swear that I shall 
never swerve from duty or the right, and shall endeavor to en- 
sure most perfect harmony within our halls, and give obedience 
where the same is due, and this shall rest upon my honor as a 
Knight and faith in God. 

G. C. — By virtue of the power placed at my control, I now 
declare you duly and formally installed, and bid you hold your 
seats until the ensuing term, or appointment of successors, unless 
impeached for breakage of the law. Assume your stations. 

[Raps.] 

V 



322 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

[At this moment the office of M.-at-A. is surrendered inform- 
ally to the new incumbent, who is invested with the jewels, 
etc.] 

Attention, Knights ; draw swords, carry arms, present swords, 
or officers salute. 

Chancellor Commander, into your hands I now intrust the 
gavel as the emblem of your authority, and surrender up your 
station to your keeping. 

[Chancellor Commander takes his station.] 

C. C. — Recover arms ; return swords. 

[Raps.] 

[After this will be in order Remarks by the Grand Chancel- 
lor.] 

PRAYER. 

Prelate. — The Lord, by wisdom, hath founded the Earth ; by 
understanding hath He established the Heavens, by His knowl- 
edge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down their 
dew. The Eternal God is our refuge, and underneath are Thy 
everlasting arms. Acknowledging Thee, O God ! as the boun- 
tiful dispenser of every good and perfect gift, we would call upon 
Thee to direct us in all our doings with Thy most gracious favor, 
and further us with Thy continual help. Give Thy grace, we 
beseech Thee, to these Officers to whom the charge of this Lodge 
is now committed ; imbue them with wisdom, that they may 
faithfully serve before Thee, to the glory of Thy Great name, 
and to the benefit of this Order. Bless, O Lord, the member- 
ship of this Lodge. May peace and harmony prevail. Extend 
our Order everywhere. May no discordant jars ever arise to 
sever the connection which binds us so closely. And, finally, 
permit us, as valiant Knights, to assemble around Thy Throne 
at the Last Great Day, and, while ours is the bliss, Thine shall 
be the glory. Amen. 

[The Grand Officers will vacate their respective places and 
advance to the centre of the room, when they will receive 
the proper honors, and, after giving the Sign, will retire or 
be seated] 



GRAND LODGE JURISDICTIONS. 

Names and Residences of Grand Officers — Time and 
Place of Meeting of the several Grand Lodges. 

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

Meets fourth Tuesday of January, 1877, at Washington. 

A.J. Gunning Past Grand Chancellor..S. C. Av., bt. 6th & 7th, S. E. 

Geo. Lewis Eberly. Grand Chancellor 1033 7th St., N. W. 

R. R. Brown Grand Vice Chancellor. 1244 8th St., N. W. 

Geo. W. Brown Grand Prelate 935 Mass. Av., N. W. 

John M. Hinkle.... Grand Master of Exch..ioio 6th St., N. W. 

Richard Goodhart.Grand K. of R. & S 124 nth St., S. E. 

Alex. Gray Grand Master-at- Arms. 206 7th St., S. W. 

Wm. H. Shomo.... Grand Inner Guard 1236th St., S. E. 

Wm. H. Osborn... Grand Outer Guard 16204th St., N. W. 

PENNSYLVANIA. 

Meets in Semi- Annual Session, at Philadelphia, February 13, 1877, 
and in Annual Session, at Harrisburg, August 21, 1877. 

E. Walter Scott.... Past Grand Chancellor., no S. 4th St., Phila. 

H. M. Wadsworth. Grand Chancellor 1522 Summer St., Phila. 

John Ralston Grand Vice Chancellor.. 536 Court St., Reading. 

A. A. Duke Grand Prelate 1810 Cameron St., Phila. 

James Mackintosh.Grand Master of Exch.. 877 N. 5th St., Phila. 

George Hawkes.... Grand K. of R. & S 709 Sansom St., Phila. 

Thos. G. Sample... Grand Master-at- Arms. Alleghany City. 

John B. Merritt Grand Inner Guard 317 Queen St., Phila. 

Henry Strockbine.. Grand Outer Guard 1944 N. 3d St., Phila. 

NEW JERSEY. 

Meets first Wednesday in February, 1877, at Trenton. 

Stephen D. Young.Past Grand Chancellor.. Camden. 

Gen. Wm. Ward... Grand Chancellor Newark. 

John M. Powell Grand Vice Chancellor.Somerville. 

Clement R. Corey...Grand Prelate Bridgeton. 

Jacob P. Fowler Grand Master of Exch..Haddonfield. 

Wm. B. French Grand K. of R. & S Camden. 

Wm. W. Ward Grand Master-at- Arms.Rutherford Park. 

323 



324 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Frederick Peters.... Grand Inner Guard Burlington. 

Elij ah Wheaton Grand Outer Guard Pennsville. 

MARYLAND. 

Meets second Tuesday in February, 1877, at Baltimore. 

E. T. Daneker Past Grand Chancellor.Baltimore. 

James B. Groome.. Grand Chancellor Elkton. 

F. G. Maxwell Grand Vice Chancellor.220 N. Biddle St., Bait. 

Henry Page Grand Prelate Princess Anne. 

Wm. S. Quigley.... Grand Master of Exch.. Baltimore. 

James Whitehouse. Grand K. of R. & S Baltimore. 

J. J. Kahler Grand Master-at-Arms. Baltimore. 

J. W. Mitchell Grand Inner Guard Baltimore. 

Sam'l Woodward. .Grand Outer Guard Baltimore. 

DELAWARE. 

Meets October 24, 1877, at Wilmington. 

Wm. J. Jeffens Past Grand Chancellor. Wilmington. 

A. J. Schrack Grand Chancellor Wilmington. 

Mark L. Garrett.... Grand Vice Chancellor. Wilmington. 

Benj. B. Cooper Grand Prelate , Wilmington. 

Lemuel Marr Grand Master of Exch. Wilmington. 

S. J. Willey., Grand K. of R. & S Wilmington. 

Edwin F. Packer... Grand Master-at-Arms.Wilmington. 

David H. Truitt.... Grand Inner Guard Wilmington. 

Jesse M. Clare Grand Outer Guard Claymont. 

NEW YORK. 

Meets July 24, 1877, at Rochester. 

Frank P. Harder.. .Past Grand Chancellor.Castleton. 

Chas. E. Spencer.. Grand Chancellor New York City. 

John J. Acker Grand Vice Chancellor. Albany. 

Horace Stowell Grand Prelate Whitehall. 

H. Lemmerman.... Grand Master of Exch. New York City. 

Frank W. George. .Grand K. of R. & S Poughkeepsie. 

Richard J. Smith. ..Grand Master-at-Arms. Brooklyn. 

W. D. Lohmann... Grand Inner Guard New York City. 

John F. Rogers Grand Outer Guard Ilion. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT- BO OK. 325 

VIRGINIA. 

Meets third Tuesday of February, 1877, at Petersburg. 

Geo. L. Simpson... Past Grand Chancellor.Alexandria. 

J. E. Rockwell Grand Chancellor Petersburg. 

Wm. H. Hall Grand Vice Chancellor.Norfolk. 

Hugh Latham Grand Prelate Alexandria. 

H. C. G. Hartman. Grand Master of Exch. Richmond. 

Leroy S. Edwards.. Grand K. of R. & S Richmond. 

W. Plumer Gretter.Grand Master-at- Arms. Richmond. 

M. N. Bradley Grand Inner Guard Staunton. 

J. E. Coldwell Grand Outer Guard Petersburg. 

CONNECTICUT. 

Meets February 20, 1877, at New Haven. 

A. H. Hurlburt Past Grand Chancellor.New Haven. 

Oliver Woodhouse. Grand Chancellor Hartford. 

Rob't McWhirr Grand Vice Chancellor.Norwich. 

J. K. Bundy Grand Prelate New Haven. 

W. L. Morgan Grand Master of Exch. New Britain. 

S. I. Bradley Grand K. of R. & S New Haven. 

Robert Sherman. ...Grand Master-at-Arms.Jewett City. 

Geo. N. Barnum... Grand Inner Guard Danbury. 

Daniel H. Brown. .Grand Outer Guard Fair Haven. 

WEST VIRGINIA. 

Meets November 14, 1877, at Parkersburg. 

E. W. Canfield Past Grand Chancellor.Paw Paw. 

Wm. Winder Grand Chancellor Wheeling. 

Frank D. Staley... Grand Vice Chancellor. Martinsburg. 

B. C. Smith Grand Prelate Harper's Ferry. 

John F. Smith Grand Master of Exch.Middleway. 

J. Rufus Smith Grand K. of R. & S Berkley Springs. 

Wm. E. Frey Grand Master-at-Arms. Wheeling. 

G. H. Bailey Grand Inner Guard Parkersburg. 

H. W. Hunter Grand Outer Guard Moundsville. 

OHIO. 

Meets on the fourth Wednesday of May, 1877, at Toledo. 

J. G. Thompson. ...Past Grand Chancellor.Columbus. 

Silas W. Hoffman. Grand Chancellor Cincinnati. 

28 



326 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Leroy S. Dungan... Grand Vice Chancellor.London. 

George W. Carey.. Grand Prelate Lebanon. 

E. H. Towson Grand Master of Exch. Cleveland. 

Joseph Dowdall.... Grand K. of R. & S Columbus. 

H. F. Brown Grand Master-at- Arms. Delaware. 

M. E. Kuhn Grand Inner Guard Cincinnati. 

T. J. Collins Grand Outer Guard Toledo. 

KENTUCKY. 

Meets third Tuesday of September, 1877, at Covington. 

Jas. W. Mavity Past Grand Chancellor.Louisville. 

Henry Wellenvoss.Grand Chancellor . .Louis ville. 

W. H. Turner Grand Vice Chancellor.Covington. 

J. D. McNeil Grand Prelate Elizabethtown. 

Archie Johnson Grand Master of Exch. Louisville. 

John D. Sheppard.Grand K. of R. & S Louisville. 

W. I. McBurnie.... Grand Master-at-Arms. Louisville. 

Wm. Huber Grand Inner Guard Covington. 

Martin Alter Grand Outer Guard Louisville. 

CALIFORNIA. 

Meets second Tuesday in February, 1877, at Stockton. 

L. M. Manzer Past Grand Chancellor.San Francisco. 

David McClure Grand Chancellor San Francisco. 

D. P. Derrickson... Grand Vice Chancellor.Marysville. 

Albert Rodgers Grand Prelate San Bernardino. 

George Cantus Grand Master of Exch.San Francisco. 

A. G. Booth Grand K. of R. & S San Francisco. 

Robt. Bettebenner.Grand Master-at-Arms. San Francisco. 

W. C. Ashton Grand Inner Guard San Francisco. 

W. A. Chittenden..Grand Outer Guard Stockton. 

NEBRASKA. 

Meets on the second Tuesday in October, 1877, at Lincoln. 

J. S. Shropshire Past Grand Chancellor.Omaha. 

Anthony Ries Grand Chancellor North Platte. 

August Meyer Grand Vice Chancellor.Lincoln. 

Frederick Mutton.. Grand Prelate Nebraska City. 

Kyron Tierney Grand Master of Exch.Tecumseh. 

E. E. French Grand K. of R. & S Omaha. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 327 

A. D.Marshall Grand Master-at-Arms.Lincoln. 

John Morrison Grand Inner Guard Lincoln. 

JohnForrer Grand Outer Guard West Point, 

INDIANA. 
Meets on the fourth Tuesday of January, 1877, at Indianapolis. 

W. T. Myers Past Grand Chancellor. Jeffersonville. 

C. P. Tuley Grand Chancellor Bloomington. 

D. W. La Follette.. Grand Vice Chancellor.New Albany. 

D. B. Shideler Grand Prelate Indianapolis. 

A. A. Curme Grand Master of Exch.Richmond. 

Wilbur F. Taylor.. .Grand K. of R. &. S.... Lafayette. 
Grand Master-at-Arms. 

J. H. Peck... Grand Inner Guard Logansport. 

W. H. Coover Grand Outer Guard Remington. 

MASSACHUSETTS. 

Meets February 14, 1877, at Boston. 

William B. Gale.. ..Past Grand Chancellor.Marlboro. 

William Wilson.... Grand Chancellor Boston. 

Samuel M. Weale.. Grand Vice Chancellor.East Boston. 

Amos M. Parker.. ..Grand Prelate Worcester. 

A. H. Fuller Grand Master of Exch.Lynn. 

Francis A. Chase. ..Grand K. of R. & S... .Boston. 
Samuel G. Gunn... Grand Master-at-Arms. Lynn. 
Geo. B. Goodale.... Grand Inner Guard. ...Lowell. 
Thos. Jeff. Stevens. Grand Outer Guard Cambridgeport. 

ILLINOIS. 

Meets October 17, iSyy,at Chicago. 

H. S. Herr Past Grand Chancellor. Bloomington. 

S. J. Willett Grand Chancellor Springfield. 

M. Vesey Grand Vice Chancellor.Chicago. 

J. V. Swarthout Grand Prelate Centralia. 

J. D. Roper ....Grand Master of Exch. Springfield. 

Jno. H. Freeman.. .G. K. R. & S. ad inter... Springfield. 

W. A. Schmitt Grand Master-at-Arms. Ouincy. 

G. R.Atkinson Grand Inner Guard Rockford. 

N. M. Plotke Grand Outer Guard Chicago. 



328 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

IOWA. 

Meets February 13, 1877, at Des Moines. 

Jno.VanValkenburg..Past Grand Chancellor.Fort Madison. 

Jno. W. Green Grand Chancellor Davenport. 

Grand Vice Chancellor. 

H. M. Way Grand Prelate Creston. 

N. J. Burt Grand Master of Exch. Burlington. 

H. D. Walker Grand K. of R. & S Mt. Pleasant. 

G. W. Breneman Grand Master-at- Arms. Columbus City. 

Grand Inner Guard 

J A. Israel Grand Outer Guard Agency City. 

NEW HAMPSHIRE. 

Meets first Thursday in February, 1877, at Portsmouth. 

James F. Seavey... Past Grand Chancellor. Dover. 

Frank E. Rollins. .Grand Chancellor Exeter. 

Wm. O. Sides Grand Vice Chancellor.Portsmouth. 

Geo. W. Tilton Grand Prelate Epping. 

L. K. Peacock Grand Master of Exch.Concord. 

Wm. E. Moore Grand K. of R. & S Manchester. 

Charles M. Lang... Grand Master-at- Arms. Concord. 

F. W. McKinley... Grand Inner Guard Manchester. 

F. Newman Grand Outer Guard Hillsborough. 

RHODE ISLAND. 

Meets February 20, 1877, at Providence. 

H. B.Whitman Past Grand Chancellor.Providence. 

Charles A. Lee Grand Chancellor Pawtucket. 

Fred. J. Smith Grand Vice Chancellor.Providence. 

John H. Tilley Grand Prelate Newport. 

Wm. E. Gilmore... .Grand Master of Exch. Pawtucket. 

A. O. Rockwell Grand K. of R. & S Providence. 

Wm. H. Martin Grand Master-at- Arms. Providence. 

Thomas Patterson.Grand Inner Guard Providence. 

Wm. E. Bontelle.. .Grand Outer Guard Providence. 

GEORGIA. 

Meets August 23, 1877, at Savannah. 

T. Hardeman, Jr.. .Past Grand Chancellor.Macon. 
Felix Corput Grand Chancellor Macon. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 329 

Geo. W. Haines Grand Vice Chancellor. Jesup. 

M. M. Belisario Grand Prelate Savannah. 

W. K. Pearce Grand Master of Exch.Savannah. 

D. B. Woodruff.... Grand K. of R. & S Macon. 

L. HanfT. Grand Master-at- Arms. Savannah. 

W. N. Clark Grand Inner Guard Jesup. 

B. Lowenthal Grand Outer Guard Macon. 

WISCONSIN. 

Meets second Tuesday of February, 1877, at Milwaukee. 

L. W. Halsey Past Grand Chancellor.Oshkosh. 

Oscar F.Jones Grand Chancellor Hudson. 

Thos. S. Allen Grand Vice Chancellor.Oshkosh. 

T. B. Shaw Grand Prelate Eau Claire. 

C. H. Sweetland... Grand Master of Exch.Milwaukee. 

C. A. Curtis Grand K. of R. & S Milwaukee. 

W. H. Nott Grand Master- at -Arms. Sparta. 

W. Humphry Grand Inner Guard ....Watertown. 

P.O. Peterson Grand Outer Guard Milwaukee. 

MISSOURI. 

Meets November 14, 1877, at Kansas City. 

Samuel A. Lowe. ..Past Grand Chancellor.St. Louis. 

Chas. D. Lucas Grand Chancellor Kansas City. 

T. T. Parson Grand Vice Chancellor.St. Louis. 

C. P. Kinsbury Grand Prelate ..St. Joseph. 

Adam Theis Grand Master of Exch. Hannibal. 

John P. Swygard.. Grand K. of R. & S Kansas City. 

Phin. D. Fisher ....Grand Master- at- Arms. Hannibal. 

Samuel B. Orem... Grand Inner Guard Clinton. 

W. F. Conners Grand Outer Guard St. Louis. 

MINNESOTA. 
Meets fourth Tuesday of January, 1877, at Minneapolis. 

B. G. Merry Past Grand Chancellor.Stillwater. 

A.J. Stone Grand Chancellor St. Paul. 

C. A. Clawson Grand Vice Chancellor.Minneapolis. 

G. D. Swaine Grand Prelate Le Sueur. 

D. C. Dunham Grand Master of Exch.Anoka. 

Robert Angst Grand K. of R. & S.... Minneapolis. 

28* 



33° THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

A. Fredericks Grand Master-at-Arms. Stillwater. 

Wm. Christensen. ..Grand Inner Guard Minneapolis. 

John S. West Grand Outer Guard Minneapolis. 

NORTH CAROLINA. 
Meets second Tuesday in February, 1877, at Raleigh. 

Wm. Simpson Past Grand Chancellor. Raleigh. 

Alex. L. Blow Grand Chancellor Greenville. 

E. A. Ebert Grand Vice Chancellor.Salem. 

W. T. Hollowell... Grand Prelate Goldsboro. 

George Ziegler Grand Master of Exch. Raleigh. 

E.G. Hanell ..... Grand K. of R. & S Raleigh. 

J. L. H. Missillier... Grand Master-at-Arms.Newbern. 

D. J. Aaron Grand Inner Guard Mt. Olive. 

James W. King Grand Outer Guard Wilmington. 

TENNESSEE. 
Meets February 13, 1877, at Nashville. 

W. P. Robertson... Past Grand Chancellor. Jackson. 
J. J. Atkins Grand Chancellor Knoxville. 

B. H. Owen Grand Vice Chancellor. Clarksville. 

R. W. Weakley.. ..Grand Prelate Edgefield. 

R.L.C.White.M.D.Grand Master of Exch.Lebanon. 
W. B. Thompson..Grand K. of R. & S.... Nashville. 
T. J. Happel, M. D.Grand Master-at-Arms.Trenton. 

B. Lanier Grand Inner Guard Nashville. 

George Sieferle Grand Outer Guard.... Nashville. 

ONTARIO. 

Meets second Tuesday in June, 1877, at Sarnia. 

Colin H. Rose Past Grand Chancellor.Chatham. 

Dr. John S. King.. Grand Chancellor Toronto. 

Peter D. McKellar. Grand Vice Chancellor.Chatham. 

James Smith Grand Prelate London. 

James B. How Grand Master of Exch.Toronto. 

Geo. H. Mitchell... Grand K. of R. & S.... Toronto. 

A. J. Rattray Grand Master-at-Arms.Toronto. 

W. H. Rooks Grand Inner Guard London. 

Charles Frink Grand Outer Guard Sarnia. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 33 1 

ALABAMA. 

Meets third Tuesday in May, 1877, at Montgomery. 

W. A. McBryde....Past Grand Chancellor. Montgomery. 

R. Hugh Nesbitt... Grand Chancellor Opelika. 

Geo. F. Taylor Grand Vice Chancellor.Montgomery. 

W. A. Johnson Grand Prelate Uniontown. 

J. R. Hockstadter.. Grand Master of Exch. Birmingham. 
Charles H. Barnes.Grand K. of R. & S.... Opelika. 
Joe J. Davis Grand Master-at-Arms.Tuscumbia. 

A. B.Moore Grand Inner Guard.... Marion. 

W. P. Bell Grand Outer Guard Montgomery. 

MAINE. 
Meets February 6, 1877, at Lewiston. 

Henry C. Peabody.Past Grand Chancellor. Portland. 

J. H. Drummond... Grand Chancellor Portland. 

Grand Vice Chancellor. (Vacant by resignation.) 

Chas. Donovan Grand Prelate Auburn. 

R. Williams Grand Master of Exch. Portland. 

M. L. Stevens Grand K. of R. & S Portland. 

B. T. Chase Grand Master-at-Arms.Bridgeton. 

Chas. E. Usher Grand Inner Guard Saco. 

Milton Higgins Grand Outer Guard Portland. 

KANSAS. 

Meets first Tuesday in May, 1877, at Leavenworth. 

E. L. Bartlett Past Grand Chancellor. Wyandotte. 

Frank H. Betton... Grand Chancellor Pomeroy. 

J. W. Wheeler Grand Vice Chancellor. Leavenworth. 

J. R. Brown Grand Prelate Parsons. 

George Linck Grand Master of Exch. Leavenworth. 

G. J. Neubert Grand K. of R. & S Wyandotte. 

William Priestley... Grand Master-at-Arms. Wyandotte. 

T. A. Cullinan Grand Inner Guard Junction City. 

A. Leek Grand Outer Guard Fort Scott. 

MICHIGAN. 
Meets fourth Tuesday in January, 1877, at Grand Rapids. 
W. J. Long Past Grand Chancellor. Detroit. 

C. D. Little Grand Chancellor Saginaw City. 



332 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

D. K. Hurlburt Grand Vice Chancellor. Grand Rapids. 

W. H. Lyon Grand Prelate Flint. 

C. A. Mack ..Grand Master of Exch.Detroit. 

James Mitchell Grand K. of R. &. S.... Detroit. 

O. W. Oviatt Grand Master-at-Arms.New Buffalo. 

J. M. Lenhoff. ..Grand Inner Guard Detroit. 

J. F. C. Hollings... Grand Outer Guard Detroit. 

NEVADA. 

Meets second Monday in August, 1877, at Reno. 

C. C. Powning Past Grand Chancellor. Reno. 

P. H. Mulcahy Grand Chancellor Gold Hill. 

C. W. Jones Grand Vice Chancellor. Reno. 

A. E. Shannon Grand Prelate Austin. 

Geo. Tufly Grand Master of Exch.Carson. 

C. E. Laughton Grand K. of R. & S Carson. 

H. G. Gross Grand Master-at- Arms. Virginia. 

F. A. Bierke Grand Inner Guard Virginia. 

E. Prince Grand Outer Guard Gold Hill. 

TEXAS. 

Meets first Tuesday in April, 1877, at Dallas, 

W. M. Stafford Past Grand Chancellor. Galveston. 

E. A. Jones Grand Chancellor Waco. 

J. H. Hobart Grand Vice Chancellor. Galveston. 

C. T. Roff. Grand Prelate Brenham. 

J. J. Stockbridge.... Grand Master of Exch.San Saba. 
J. T. J. O'Riordan.Grand K. of R. & S Brenham. 

G. H. Mundy Grand Master-at-Arms. Galveston. 

T. M. Meiro Grand Inner Guard Dallas. 

C. J. Wright Grand Outer Guard Houston. 

MISSISSIPPI. 

Meets fourth Tuesday in March, 1877, at Grenada, 

J. S. Cain Past Grand Chancellor. Okolona. 

G. G. Manlove Grand Chancellor Vicksburg. 

J. L. Milton Grand Vice Chancellor. Grenada. 

T. J. Hanes Grand Prelate Vicksburg. 

A. C. Allen Grand Master of Exch.Natchez. 

M. C. Elliott Grand K. of R. & S Okolona. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT- BO OK. 333 

Grand Master-at-Arms. 

J. H.Gray Grand Inner Guard Vicksburg. 

H. Rafalsky Grand Outer Guard Grenada. 

COLORADO. 

Meets September 21, 1877, at Black Hawk. 

W. S. Marshall Past Grand Chancellor. Denver. 

T. F. Simmons Grand Chancellor Georgetown. 

L. C. Snyder Grand Vice Chancellor. Black Hawk. 

A. G. Bishop Grand Prelate Black Hawk. 

M. H. McNary Grand Master of Exch. Denver. 

R. B. Weiser Grand K. of R. & S Georgetown. 

John Bunny Grand Master-at-Arms. Central City. 

P. B. Wright Grand Inner Guard Black Hawk. 

W. A. Hamill Grand Outer Guard Georgetown. 



Grand Jurisdiction of Arkansas. 

BY ALBERT COHEN, D. S. C. 

THE Order in this State has not been heretofore very pros- 
perous, but light is beginning to dawn. Political com- 
motion, not political dissension, with financial distress and 
scanty crops, have materially retarded the good work in the " Bear 
State." 

The Lodges are as follows, to wit : Alpha, No. 1, Fort Smith; 
surrendered charter. Ivanhoe, No. 2,VanBuren; dormant. Da- 
mon, No. 3, Little Rock ; working splendidly. Seneca, No. 4, 
Jacksonport; expected to work soon. Centennial, No. 5, Hot 
Springs ; working splendidly. 

There has been no Grand Lodge as yet organized. There 
are about eighty-three working members in this jurisdiction. 
The cry of charity goes not unheeded, but meets with a prompt 
and liberal response wherever heard. We favor a degree for the 
wives and daughters of Knights in good standing. Our friends in 
other States may look for good tidings from the Order in this juris- 



334 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

diction. We are few in numbers but strong in faith, and ani- 
mated by the soul-inspiring motto of "Friendship, Charity, and 
Benevolence. ' ' 



Grand Jurisdiction of California. 

THE Grand Lodge K. of P. being in session on February 5, 
1873, Grand Guide, N. J. Bird, presented to the Grand Chan- 
cellor, on behalf of the Grand Lodge, a magnificent P. G. 
C.'s regalia in the following language : 

Grand Chancellor F. P. Dann : — It is my very pleasing privilege to repre- 
sent the officers and members of this Grand Lodge in presenting an humble 
tribute to you; and let me assure you at once that it is not the product of prece- 
dent, nor the promptings of the bare sense of duty, but it is the product of 
proud deference and fervent gratitude ; not because you are the Grand Chan- 
cellor of the Knights of Pythias of California, for we forget the office in the 
memory of the man. What then has awakened our deference ? what has 
prompted our pride and what sustained our gratitude ? In the glad study of 
Nature, as I go out on these beautiful plains and plateaus, where the atmos- 
phere is sweetened with fragrant gratitude to God, from hillside and from 
vale — where Nature's strains of gladness capture and enrapture the listening 
learner — I lift my wondering gaze high above the horizon to Shasta's snowy 
brow, beautifully defined against the blue canopy of heaven, and I ask, Why 
is Shasta's grandeur so grand? I have climbed the ambitious heights of the 
Sierras, and there, thrilled with the inspiring power of rocky royalty, I have 
asked, Why is the glory of the Sierras so glorious ? I have stood on the gilded 
domes amidst the splintered pinnacles of Yosemite, and wonderingly asked, 
Why is Yosemite's sublimity so sublime ? and the answer came echoing back : 
" Because in their unselfish sacrifice they have been cleft and scarred in divest- 
ing themselves of their own treasures to give beauty and fertility to the valleys 
at their feet." And here, sir, we are glad students of human nature. In 
this Order we breathe an atmosphere sweetened with the fragrance of the 
purest principles, where the teachings of friendship and benevolence reach 
us in strains of gladness that capture and enrapture the listening learner; 
and from these beauteous plains and plateaus of human landscape, to-night, 
we lift our wondering gaze far above the horizon to where your Pythian 
character is beautifully defined against the cloudless canopy of our noble 
Order. This is no play upon language, nor flight of imagination. For there 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 335 

are gigantic realities in the difficulties with which we have successfully grap- 
pled ; in the dark cations over which we have been safely trestled ; in the 
mountain barriers through which we have dared to tunnel, under your admin- 
istration, led by your brave hand, unerring judgment, and spirit of self-sacri- 
fice. Accept, therefore, our humble tribute ; and as you wear it, as you look 
upon it, as you think of it, mistake not the fragrance for the flower ; for, 
beautiful though it be, it is the aroma only of the sweetest plant that blooms 
in the garden of the heart — gratitude. 

The Grand Chancellor, upon receiving the regalia, feelingly 
responded as follows : — 

Brother Bird, Officers and Members of the Grand Lodge : — 

You have so completely taken me by surprise, that I do not know how I 
can make a fitting response to the sentiments symbolized by this beautiful 
gift and expressed in the words in which it has been presented. If in the 
course of the year that has passed, and in the discharge of the duties that 
have devolved upon me, I have received your approbation, I can only say I 
am glad, as, in the discharge of those duties, I have brought to them a heart 
full of love to the Order, and a mental determination to do what I could to 
dignify and ennoble it and its principles. Brothers, for such you are to me, I 
return you my sincere thanks for this manifestation of your esteem and regard, 
and promise you in the future, as in the past, to do what I can to make this 
Order worthy of all the reverence and affection any of us can bestow upon 
it. Again I thank you. 

On the 5th day of February, 1874, at a social entertainment 
in Fraternity Hall, in San Francisco, Cal., given in honor of the 
Grand Lodge, Hon. A. G. Booth, Grand Chancellor, was made 
the recipient of a magnificent P. G. C's. regalia and jewel by 
the brothers of the Order. 

The Hon. F. P. Dann, Venerable Grand Patriarch, made the 
presentation in the following beautiful and chaste language, to wit : 

Grand Chancellor Booth : — 

There are moments in the experience of every living soul, when, unclouded 
by passion and unswayed by evil, it stands forth the pure embodiment of 
kindly feeling, of hope, of expectation, of love. Such a moment, in the con- 
stant inconstancy of the human heart, has now come to your brothers of this 
noble Order in this city. One year ago, at Sacramento, full of bright antici- 
pations as to your future, with great unanimity they called you to stand at 
the helm, to direct our course as an Order for the ensuing year. With a 
brave heart and a firm hand you accepted the duty and entered upon its dis- 



336 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

charge. Through its varied and shifting currents your hand has ever been 
at the wheel, and so steadily directing its course that we, its members, have 
scarcely perceived even a ripple on the stream over and upon which we have 
been sailing. True to a noble and determined purpose, you have been our 
captain, never for a moment forsaking your post, but ever ready to be sacri- 
ficed yourself, that the trembling bark, freighted with all our best desires and 
aspirations and Pythian hopes, should safely anchor in the port at the close 
of another Pythian year. 

While you have been thus faithful and true, your brothers in this Order 
have been laying up in their hearts those feelings for you that manifest a 
spark of Eden still undying, and which, though dimmed by contact with 
earthly conditions now, shall exist immortal in the bosom of its father and 
its God. Gratitude, hope, friendship, brotherly desire for your constant happi- 
ness, charity for your failings, (for who has them not ?) and, above all, a 
warm, burning and undying flame of love for you as a true man, an unfailing 
friend and a Pythian brother ; these are the feelings that are now welling up 
in our breasts for one who, with like gratitude, friendship, and charity, has 
none the less loved us and given his heart and service for us. 

And now, Brother Booth, having been charged with the more than pleas- 
urable duty of giving voice and expression to these feelings of your brothers, 
I am too poor in words to say to you all that my heart feels ; and I only wish 
that I had the tongue and words of an angel, that you and this vast company 
might know how truly and sincerely you are esteemed and loved by every 
Pythian heart in this vast Brotherhood. That a slight expression of these 
feelings might be crystallized into a firm and enduring shape, which should 
be to you a constant reminder, we have caused to be prepared this beautiful 
Past Grand Chancellor's regalia. While it is appropriate in design and is 
elaborately secured by our emblematical triangle in solid gold, it is but a 
slight token of our feelings at this time. Still, Brother Booth, take it, and, 
as you wear it, may it ever remind you of our love and esteem ; and to the 
sentiment of your brethren that I now express, Brother Booth, " we are 
satisfied in our triangle," may you be ever able to respond, heartily and sin- 
cerely, " I am also satisfied in mine." 

Grand Chancellor Booth responded as follows : 

Brother Dann, Past Chancellors, and Friends : — 

This is a perfect and complete surprise ; my tongue refuses to speak the 
words that would express the emotions of my heart, and I am utterly dis- 
qualified from giving utterance to language that would in any adequate de- 
gree express my real feelings. I accept this beautiful present, this tribute 
of your friendship and esteem, for which I now return to you my heartfelt 
and sincere thanks ; and, in accepting it, I look through and beyond the 
present itself to the hearts, the thoughts, and feelings that actuated those that 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 337 

gave it. Next to the consciousness of doing our whole duty in this world, 
the approbation of our friends is desired by every human heart; and I look 
upon this memento with a proud gratification that it is an endorsement, not 
how well I have performed my duty as your chief executive officer for the 
year about completed, but that you are satisfied with my efforts. This em- 
blem of a Past Grand Officer tells me that I am about to leave my high posi- 
tion. When you called upon me to occupy this chair, under the most flatter- 
ing circumstances, I fully realized the great responsibility that rested upon 
me in the discharge of the various duties appertaining thereto ; but your kind 
and fraternal indulgence and courtesy relieved, to a great extent, my anxiety 
and care. Whatever of honor or station has fallen to me, has been bestowed 
by an indulgent Brotherhood; and whatever success and prosperity has at- 
tended my administration is due to the steadfast support I have received from 
my Brothers. In accepting the office, I brought to it a heart full of love for 
the Order. The position has borne with it many a happy hour and many 
an hour of study and care, and I leave it, not with any regrets for the loss of 
power that it entails, but with regret for the many pleasant relations and 
courtesies connected with it. I have endeavored to be faithful to my trusts 
and to do my whole duty, and this present tells me more forcibly than words 
can tell that you are satisfied with my efforts ; and I assure you that it is a 
source of the proudest gratification to me. 

'T is but a few years since the first star began to loom up in the horizon of the 
Pythian world ; the sun has now risen, shining brightly and resplendently, 
and more than one thousand lodges have been breathed into existence. Is 
there a Knight present in these castle halls that has in his breast no love, no 
pride for this our Order, which stands forth erect in its strength, challenging 
the admiration of all ? The responsive echo from your heart is, not one. 
Let us, as brave and valiant Knights, one and all, strive to climb higher on 
this ladder of universal Brotherhood, whose golden rounds glitter with the 
letters F., C, and B. 

I again sincerely thank you, Bro. Dann, and those you represent, for this 
token of friendship, this manifestation of their affection for me. 

Constitution of the Bureau of Relief, under the Juris- 
diction of the Grand Lodge of California. 

ARTICLE I. 

Section i. That a Bureau of Relief, to be known as the 
General Bureau of Relief, Knights of Pythias, of California, be, 
and such Bureau of Relief is, hereby established, which shall be 
constituted by the annual election of three Delegates from each 
Lodge within this jurisdiction. 

29 W - 



33 8 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Sec. 2. The Officers of said Bureau shall be a President, First 
and Second Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer, each of 
whom shall hold office for one year, and until their successors 
have been duly elected. 

Sec. 3. No one shall be elected President unless he holds the 
rank of Past Chancellor. 

ARTICLE II. 

The Delegates to such General Bureau of Relief, for the first 
year or fractional part of a year, shall be elected at the last regular 
meeting in May, and thereafter said Delegates shall be elected 
annually at the time of the election of Representatives to this 
Grand Lodge. 

ARTICLE III. 

It shall be the duty of such General Bureau of Relief to take 
charge of such sojourning Brothers who may be sick, and grant 
such relief as the exigencies of the case may require. They 
shall have power to grant relief to destitute sojourning Brothers 
in good standing. To assist, in cases of emergency, Brothers 
who may not be in good standing. To relieve widows and 
orphans of members of the Order who may not have legal claims 
for benefits or assistance upon any particular Lodge, and other 
objects of charity which are in their judgment worthy and 
proper. 

ARTICLE IV. 

The Delegates from Lodges located in the city and county 
of San Francisco shall constitute the Central Bureau of Relief, 
with full powers to make By-Laws and act. The Delegates from 
cities and towns where one or more Lodges are located, shall 
constitute executive branches, with full powers to make By-Laws 
and act in the cities and towns where they are located. The 
Delegates from all other Lodges shall constitute executive branches 
in like manner, with full power to act in their respective locali- 
ties. All Delegates shall possess full power of voice and action 
in the meeting of the General Executive Bureau of Relief, when 
present. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK, 339 

ARTICLE V. 

All Executive Bureaus auxiliary to the General Bureau of Re- 
lief, shall immediately report any case coming under their care 
to the General Bureau, and when any sojourning Brother has 
been under their care, shall draw upon said General Bureau for 
the amount expended by them for the relief or burial of such 
Brother. They shall also report from time to time all oppor- 
tunities for employment and the character thereof, also the names 
and qualifications of all Brothers desiring employment in their 
respective localities, to said General Bureau of Relief. The 
General Bureau shall take action immediately to secure such em- 
ployment for the Brothers reported as desiring the same. 

ARTICLE VI. 

All amounts expended in the relief or burial of sojourning 
Brothers shall be refunded by the General Bureau of Relief upon 
proper demand and vouchers ; and such General Bureau of Re- 
lief may collect from the Lodge where such sojourning Brother 
holds membership, such amount as he may be entitled to receive 
from the funds of such Lodge under their By-Laws, and the bal- 
ance, if any, shall be taken from the Common Fund of the 
Bureau. 

ARTICLE VII. 

Any sum advanced otherwise than for the relief of the sick 
and burial of the dead may be charged to the individual account 
of the Brother to whom such relief may have been granted, and 
his obligation transmitted to the Lodge of which he is a mem- 
ber, and it shall be the duty of such Lodge to collect the same 
if feasible, and transmit it to the General Bureau of Relief. In 
the event of securing employment for a Brother, the General 
Bureau of Relief shall require the Brother to give said General 
Bureau of Relief an order on his employer for all sums of money 
advanced to him by the General or any Executive Bureau, pay- 
able out of the money that may become due him from said em- 
ployer, and said General Bureau shall take all necessary measures 
to secure the acceptance and payment of said order. 



34-0 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

ARTICLE VIII. 

For the purpose of supplying funds necessary for successfully 
carrying out this scheme of charity and benevolence in the Order, 
the Grand Lodge may levy and collect a general tax, not ex- 
ceeding in the aggregate fifty (50) cents per capita per annum 
upon the membership in the jurisdiction of California. 

ARTICLE IX. 

It shall be the duty of each Lodge within the jurisdiction of 
California to furnish such General Bureau of Relief with a copy 
of its By-Laws, which shall be kept on file by them, and to ad- 
vise them promptly of amendments which may be made touching 
the matter of benefits. 

ARTICLE X. 

The first meeting of such General Bureau of Relief for the 
purpose of organizing the same, adopting By-Laws, etc., shall 
be called to meet in San Francisco, May 8th, 1873, by a notice 
promulgated by the Grand Recording and Corresponding Scribe, 
during the month of April, 1873, t0 a ^ Lodges in the jurisdiction. 

ARTICLE XL 

It shall be the duty of the General Bureau of Relief to submit 
to this Grand Lodge, at its annual session, a full report of its 
proceedings during the year. 

ARTICLE XII. 

The annual meeting of such Bureau of Relief shall be held 
one day preceding the annual session of the Grand Lodge, K. of 
P., of California. 

ARTICLE XIII. 

The General Bureau of Relief shall furnish to every Lodge in 
this Grand Jurisdiction five printed copies of its Constitution 
as amended, and of its By-Laws, as soon as it can conveniently 
be done. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 34! 



Grand Jurisdiction of Colorado. 

THE first Lodge Knights of Pythias was organized on the 
4th day of July, 1872, at Denver, and known as Colorado 
Lodge, No. 1. This Lodge was instituted by Noble J. York, 
who was assisted by the officers of Rocky Mountain Lodge, 
No. 1, of Cheyenne, W. T. About two months after, Damon 
Lodge, No. 2, (German,) was instituted in Denver, Col. Both 
Lodges were working harmoniously, but soon matters took a 
different turn. A member of the Order had been ordered to pur- 
chase for Colorado Lodge, No.i, all of its regalia, paraphernalia, 
etc. He purchased the same of M. C. Lilley & Co., and, on de- 
livery of the goods, a bill in full for them, amounting to nearly 
one thousand dollars, was presented to the Lodge. The bill was 
paid, the Lodge taking the individual receipt of the party order- 
ing the goods, and all went along harmoniously for a month or 
so, when, to the surprise of the Lodge, a bill was received from 
M.C. Lilley & Co. for goods purchased for Colorado Lodge, No. 1. 
This, of course, called for an investigation, which revealed the 
fact that the party alluded to had appropriated the money to his 
own use, in the vain hope to replace the same when the bill came 
due. When asked to refund to the Lodge or pay the bill, he in- 
formed the Lodge that he was not possessed of a dollar in the world. 
This placed the Lodge about a thousand dollars in debt, with an 
empty treasury. The members of No. 1 became discouraged, and 
many began dropping off, until its membership became reduced 
nearly one-half. The few remaining members seemed to take re- 
newed energy in consequence of the financial embarrassment, for 
which they deserve great credit. The Lodge succeeded in partially 
securing themselves from losses, and time was extended them on 
balance of bill, which was the means of saving the Lodge. On 
trial, the member was suspended for thirty years, which action 
was approved of by the Supreme Lodge. 

At the next session of the Supreme Lodge, the commission of 
D.S.C. Noble J.York was revoked, and A. M. Appel was put in his 
place. For the next year and a half, the Order was at a stand- 
29 * 



342 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

still. By this time Colorado Lodge, No. i, had overcome its finan- 
cial difficulties, and both it and Damon, No. 2, were working 
nicely. 

On Nov. 7, 1874, the commission of D. S. C. A. M. Appel 
was revoked, when John R. Brennen was appointed in his place. 
The first place that D. S. C. John R. Brennen turned his atten- 
tion to was Trinidad, and he soon received a petition for a dis- 
pensation, which was granted by the S. C. on Nov. 18, 1874. 
D. S. C. Brenner, upon receipt of dispensation, together with a 
delegation of Knights of Denver, instituted Rocky Mountain 
Lodge, No. 3, to be located at Trinidad, which is near the line 
between Colorado and New Mexico. On January 2, 1875, tne 
S. C. granted a dispensation for Black Hawk Lodge, No. 4, to be 
located at Black Hawk, Col. Upon receipt of this dispensation, 
D. S. C. John R. Brennen, with a delegation of Knights from 
Denver, instituted the Lodge with a membership of twenty-five. 
Soon after, an application was received for a Lodge at Central City, 
and on the 29th day of March, 18 75, a dispensation was granted by 
the S. C. for Gilpin Lodge, No. 5, to be located at Central City. 
Afterwards D. S. C. John R. Brennen, with a delegation of Knights 
of Colorado Lodge, No. 1, and Black Hawk, No. 4, departed for 
Central City, where they instituted the Lodge with a membership 
of twenty-five, and on installation Alonzo Furnald was installed as 
C. C, who proved to be a very efficient officer. On the 1st day 
of September, 1875, tne S. C. granted a dispensation for Inter- 
Ocean Lodge, No. 6, to be located at Denver, Col., and on the 
9th day of September, 1875, tne Lodge was instituted by D. S. 
C. John R. Brennen. The Lodge opened with a goodly num- 
ber of members, and is working well. C. A. Robinson was 
selected as C. C, who was an old member, and in every respect 
worthy of the office. 

John R. Brennen, upon leaving the Territory, tendered the S. 
C, S. S. Davis, his resignation as D. S. C, which was accepted. 
The Order in the Territory lost one of its best members, as he 
was a diligent worker, and was well liked by all members in the 
jurisdiction. 

M. H. McNary, of No. 1, was then appointed in his place, 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 343 

receiving his commission on the 19th day of September, 1875. 
There was not much accomplished for a month or so, when the 
Order again commenced to enliven up through his untiring zeal 
and constant work. About this time the different Lodges in the 
Territory were discussing the question of a Grand Lodge in Col- 
orado, and soon after his appointment he commenced working 
for the Grand Lodge of Colorado, which he deemed essential, 
and much needed for the general good of the Order in his juris- 
diction. 

In January, 1876, he turned his attention to Georgetown, and, 
after some correspondence, received an application, with twenty- 
five names, for a Lodge, which was forwarded to the S. C, who 
granted a dispensation for Columbia Lodge, No. 7, to be located 
at Georgetown, Col. Upon receipt of dispensation, D. S. C. 
M. H. McNary, with a delegation of Knights from different 
Lodges in the Territory, instituted the Lodge on the 25th day 
of February, 1876. P. F. Simmons was installed as C. C, who 
has been an untiring worker ; the Lodge is working well, and is 
classed as one of the best in the Territory. 

About the same time an application was received by the D. S. 
C, with twenty-eight names attached, for a Lodge to be located 
at Denver; and on the 19th day of February, 1876, S. C. S. S. 
Davis granted a dispensation for Centennial Lodge, No. 8, which 
Lodge was instituted by D. S. C. M. H. McNary on the 9th 
day of March, 1876, G. E. Smith being installed as C. C. 
This Lodge is the last, but by no means the least ; it has good 
members, who are workers, and all is harmonious. There has 
been received by the D. S. C. an application for a Lodge to be 
known as Mt. Lincoln Lodge, No. 9. On May 2, 1876, S. C. 
S. S. Davis instituted the Grand Lodge of Colorado, Wyoming 
Territory being included in the Grand Jurisdiction of Colorado. 

The Grand Officers elect are : 

Past Grand Chancellor — Lyman W. Chase. 
Grand Chancellor — W. S. Marshall. 
Vice Grand Chancellor — John Hallan. 
Grand Prelate — Louis Seyler. 



344 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Grand Keeper of Records and Seal — R. F. Dunton. 
Grand Master of Exchequer — J. F. Gorham. 
Grand Master-at-Arms — Charles Whitcomb. 
Grand Inner Guard — P. Leipoldt. 
Grand Outer Guard — Paul A. Fisher. 

Supreme Representatives — Judge J.M. Fisher, of Cheyenne, W. 
T. ; Judge Frank A. Pope, of Georgetown, Col. 

The Grand Jurisdiction of Colorado now contains nine Lodges, 
with a membership of about four hundred members ; while only 
eighteen months back there were only two Lodges, with a mem- 
bership of about fifty. Great credit is due to the D. S. Chan- 
cellors John R. Brennen and M. H. McNary, as both have 
worked zealously for the building up and prosperity of the Order 
in Colorado. Had the Territory been as thickly settled as some 
of the Eastern States, much more might have been accomplished. 



Grand Jurisdiction of Delaware. 

THE Grand Lodge held its annual session at Wilmington on 
October 25. There was a good attendance of Past Chan- 
cellors, and the Lodges were all well represented. In view 
of the fact that the Grand Lodge had to consider its finances, 
which had been disordered for some time past, it called together 
those who look forward to the time when all liabilities shall have 
been wiped out, and our Grand Lodge put upon a sound basis. 

The Grand Chancellor, Wm. J. Jefferis, made a most favora- 
ble report, showing the increased earnestness in the work which 
he was called upon to inspect and control. Throughout the 
jurisdiction there have been evidences that the good work goes 
bravely on. He bespoke a favorable and prosperous year for his 
successor. 

The report of the Grand Keeper of Records and Seal showed 
that the financial condition of the Grand Lodge is improving, 
and the debts are fast being paid. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 345 

The thanks of the Grand Lodge were given to those brethren 
who had helped the Grand Lodge. 

The reports show a membership of 932, and 15 Lodges in good 
working order. 

The legislation was somewhat important. Formerly, it was 
customary to elect the Grand officers in the Subordinate Lodges, 
by the ballots of the Past Chancellors in the Lodges. This 
method was thought to be best, in that it would give all Past 
Chancellors a chance to vote. Having tested this method for 
three years, it was found not to work satisfactorily, and was there- 
fore abolished, and now the election is held in the Grand Lodge 
at its annual session. 

The Grand Lodge decided that the retiring Grand Chancellor 
was not eligible for the office of Supreme Representative, since 
the law provided that the election for Supreme Representative 
should be held after the other Grand Lodge officers, and the 
Grand Chancellor, not having been installed as Past Grand Chan- 
cellor, was not therefore a Past Grand Chancellor, and con a 
sequently ineligible to the office of Supreme Representative. 

The following constitute the Grand officers for the ensuing 
year: 
.Past Grand Chancellor — William J. Jefferis. 

Grand Chancellor — A. J. Schrack. 

Grand Vice Chancellor — Mark L. Garrett. 

Grand Keeper of Records and Seal — S. J. Willey. 

Grand Master of Exchequer — Lemuel Mare. 

Grand Prelate — Benjamin B. Cooper. 

Grand Master- at- Arms — Edwin F. Parker. 

Grand Inner Guard — David H. Truitt. 

Grand Outer Guard — Jesse Clare. 

Supreme Representative — Jerman J. McMullen. 

Supreme Representative Jerman J. McMullen exemplified the 
secret work of the Order in a very plain and effective manner, 
which showed that he had attended to the duties of Supreme 
Representative. 

One of the most gratifying features of the proceedings was the 
eport of the Supreme Representative. The Lodges are now 



346 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

beginning to feel that the Supreme head and legislature of the 
Order are doing the work which devolves upon them with 
honesty and fidelity. 

The feeling of improvement and safety is steadily gaining 
ground ; and when " hard times shall come again no more," our 
Order will plant her standard in places still more remote, and 
where her cardinal principles shall infuse new and purer senti- 
ments of humanity and civilization. 



Grand Jurisdiction of Georgia. 

THE Order of K. P. was introduced into our State by P. C. 
Sanford B. Palmer, of Hermione Lodge, No. 13, George- 
town, D. C, who, on the 24th of September, 1869, insti- 
tuted Forrest City Lodge, No. 1, in the city of Savannah. On 
the 7th of December, of the same year, a charter was granted to 
organize Vigilant Lodge, No. 2, at Augusta. On the nth of 
February following, a Dispensation was granted to Central City 
Lodge, No. 3, at Macon, which was instituted April 13, 1870. 
Dispensations were granted to Friendship Lodge, No. 4, at Sa- 
vannah, March 26th. and to Satilla, No. 5, at Jesup, June 12th, 
and Myrtle, No. 6, at Savannah, September 2 2d, of the same 
year. On the 20th of March following, the Grand Lodge of 
Georgia was organized by Supreme Chancellor Read, with W. 
H. Bourne, P. G. C. ; D. B. Woodruff, G. C. ; W. J. Goodrich, 
V. G. C. ; C. J. Stroberg, G. K. R. & S. ; W. C. Remshart, G. 
M. of Ex. ; Geo. C. Lewis, G. M.-at-A. ; F. P. Brown, G. I. G., 
and W. V. Sarvis, G. O. G. 

Grand Chancellor Woodruff, upon taking the chair, delivered 
the following address: 

Past Chancellors and Officers : 

It is with no ordinary feelings of emotion that I rise to express 
my gratefulness for this expression of your partiality in elevating 
me to the position you have assigned me ; and it is with no little 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 347 

anxiety that I accept the honor thus conferred ; for it is a posi- 
tion not of honor alone, but of labor and anxiety, bringing with 
it duties and responsibilities of an important character; and I 
can only pledge myself to perform those duties to the best of my 
humble abilities. 

Brother Knights : We are here to lay the corner-stone of 
our Order in Georgia — an Order whose purposes are good, and 
whose principles are eternal. And I trust all our deliberations 
will be marked by that courtesy which is due to each from the 
other, and our fraternal relations as taught in the beautiful ritu- 
als of our Order be fully exemplified. 'Tis true, we cannot 
boast of great antiquity ; 't is true, we have no history lost in tra- 
dition ; no mighty dead and solemn past ; no archives or parch- 
ment scrolls made glorious by inspiration ; or volumes of legend- 
ary or mythological lore, made rich by the must and mould of 
ages, and sacred in the languages of the ancients ; no unwritten 
history coming from the hoary past, and transmitted from sire 
to son through long generations of men. No ! it is an institution 
of this country, having its organization in our day and time ; 
although the incident on which it is founded occurred over two 
thousand years ago. But what matters it if its organization was 
but yesterday, if it is one full of usefulness and good. Founded 
upon such friendship as was delineated in the lives of Damon and 
Pythias, our sacred tenets bind us closely together into a world- 
wide brotherhood, whose duties and aim are, "To alleviate the 
sufferings of a brother, succor the unfortunate, zealously watch 
at the bedside of the sick, soothe the dying pillow, perform 
the last sad rites at the grave of a brother, offering consolation 
to the afflicted, and caring for the widow and orphan." Broth- 
ers, this is the sublime mission we have taken upon ourselves to 
perform. Let us then press on, in unbroken ranks, to its per- 
formance, animated by friendship for each other and all that is 
good. To guard against the admittance of any tyrant of the 
human race into our charmed circle, we must be watchful, pru- 
dent, and cautious, bravely defending its sacred portals against 
those who mock or condemn, or who would pronounce the his- 
tory of our honored patron as a mythological fable, and with 



34-8 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

flippant sneer consign it to oblivion. But our Order teaches us 
that there has been and may be such friendship that friend will 
die for friend ; and to us, in this nineteenth century, there has 
been presented this glorious spectacle, and we challenge the 
records of mythology or tradition to furnish a more exalted ex- 
ample of disinterested devotion to friendship, or holier inspira- 
tion of right, than that given by Samuel H. Hines, in the city 
of Richmond, on December 25th, 1870, who died to prove to 
all time to come the glorious eternity of the principles upon 
which our beloved Order rests ; and I call upon you to point our 
enemies to this, a birthright dearer to every Knight of our Order 
than millions of treasure, countless hordes of followers, or legends 
and traditions in all the sanctity of mythology. Aye ! point to 
him as the martyr representation of our age and people, as the 
one who illustrated the teachings of our Order, and showed how 

" That lesson with unflinching faith was kept, 

When keeping earned a martyr's crown and glory; 
Triumphant now, the coldest hearts are swept 
With noble ardor at the sacred story." 

But, brethren, we have met at this time for labor, and I must 
not detain you, for we have much work to do. Again I thank 
you for this high honor, and, without trespassing farther upon 
your valuable time, I now announce the Grand Lodge ready for 
business. 

Since the organization of the Grand Lodge, there have been 
added thirteen Lodges ; and the Order is steadily on the increase, 
but greatly retarded by the stringency of the times, and very 
great scarcity of money in this section. 

The sessions of the G. L. are held annually, the next meeting 
at Macon on the 18th day of July, 1876. The present officers 
are, J. S. Davidson, P. G. C. ; Thos. Hardeman, Jr., G. C. ; L. 
Scherwell, G. V. C. ; S. W. Mangham, G. P. ; D. B. Woodruff, 
G. K. R. & S. ; H. Edmondsters, G. M. of Ex. ; S. J. Epstein, 
G. M.-at-A. ; M. M. Sullivan, G. I. G., and W. N. Clark, G. 
O. G. 

The Subordinate Lodges are generally in a healthy condition 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 349 

financially, having an accumulated fund of $3429.00. Paid for 
relief in 1875, $559-°°; widow and orphan fund, $114.00; cur- 
rent expenses, $5665.00. Our contributions to the sufferers by 
the Chicago fire, and the yellow fever scourge of Memphis, Tenn., 
and Shreveport, Texas, were liberal, and substantiates the fact, 
that the lessons of Pythian Knighthood are not taught in vain ; 
while a cheerful compliance with all acts of legislation of the Su- 
preme Lodge, and readiness to respond to its appeals, evidences 
their appreciation of the value of a supreme head to the Order, 
and its perpetuity necessary to our ultimate success. The future 
none can foretell ; but the Knights of Georgia, having full faith 
in the wisdom of the Supreme Lodge, and believing its legislation 
will be for the best general interests of all, are prepared to say, 
that they believe the future will be marked by a continuous and 
steady increase, and the principles which are inculcated through 
the teachings of our Order, will be felt and acknowledged by the 
great mass of our countrymen. 

Extract from Report of Hon. D. B. Woodruff, Grand 
Chancellor of Georgia. 

Representatives and Brethren : 

The official term for which, by your partiality, I was elected 
is drawing to a close, and, in taking a retrospective glance at 
the past, I am cheered by the consciousness of having left un- 
employed no effort within my power to promote the general 
welfare. The position has borne with it many a happy hour, 
and many an hour of perplexity and care. In my official inter- 
course, I have endeavored to treat all with courtesy and respect. 
I have faithfully endeavored to do my duty, and if my course 
has merited your approval, I shall feel myself remunerated for 
whatever labor I have undergone in endeavoring to advance 
your interests, and the interests of those whom you represent. 
I feel assured that our noble Order has not suffered from any 
error of judgment on my part, but, on the contrary, has ad- 
vanced upward and onward. Doubtless I have committed 
some errors ; if so, I ask you to cast the mantle of charity over 
them, assuring you that every act has been prompted by an 



350 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

earnest desire for the promotion of the principles of our beloved 
Order. I thank my associate Grand officers for their hearty 
co-operation and wise counsel. I tender my sincere thanks to 
the Brotherhood at large for their fraternal courtesies and hos- 
pitalities whenever it has been my duty and my pleasure to 
appear among them, and the memory of which I shall long 
cherish. I fondly hope the prosperity of the Order will be 
more clearly marked in the future than it has been in the past, 
and that the entire Brotherhood, whether members of Subordi- 
nate Lodges or the Grand Lodge, will ever be found practising 
that friendship which throws around the object of its affection 
its willing protection and power, using its shield to ward off all 
attacks by the uninitiated and skeptical, and, panoplied in the 
armor of true ''Knighthood," may they ever be found "up- 
holding our rights, usages, and customs as a chivalrous Order." 
Let those who seek to wear the "high-prized honor of the 
golden spur," be well tried, and if they prove of " honest, manly 
stuff," — "brave and worthy," — then receive them within your 
mystic circle, with true courtesy and hospitality; but if there 
come any with evil intent, whether king, potentate, priest, or 
serf, may they find your " Castle Hall," from "bastion" and 
"moat," to the topmost line of " crenelle" guarded by brave 
"Knights," and let them feel the force of your giant arm, 
teaching them that to the humblest therein there is protection, 
and no power, though kingly, must dare to invade upon your 
domain. Let no "gauntlet " be cast at your feet but what will 
be returned in spirit as is sent, and with the talismanic watch- 
words of "Friendship, Charity, and Benevolence" inscribed 
upon your banner, go forth upon your mission of gallantry and 
devotion to humanity. 

And now, brethren, my task is done. In retiring, permit me 
to tender you my profound gratitude for the honors conferred, 
and to reannounce my devotion to the Order, confidently 
hoping that its importance in your estimation may more than 
compensate for the inefficient manner in which I have served 
you. May God continue his blessings to you all, and guard, 
protect, and prosper our Order. 

Macon, Ga., July 10, 1873. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 35 I 

The Address by Grand Chancellor Woodruff, 
of Maeon. 

DELIVERED IN SAVANNAH, GA., JULY 1 8, 1 872. 

THE theatre was last evening very comfortably filled with the 
members and friends of the Order of the Knights of Pyth- 
ias to listen to the address of the Grand Chancellor of the 
State, D. B. Woodruff, Esq., of Macon, upon the rise and prog- 
ress of the Pythian Knighthood. There was a large representa- 
tion of the fair sex present, and their presence lent an air of 
grace and beauty to the scene. 

Seats were arranged in semicircle on the stage for the accom- 
modation of the officers of the various Lodges, and in the centre 
was placed a stand for the orator of the evening. At the rear 
was hung the flag of the Order. 

Shortly after eight, the officers of the different Lodges entered 
upon the stage and took their seats. Sir Knight Brown then ad- 
vanced and stated that the exercises of the evening would com- 
mence with prayer, and introduced the Grand Chaplain, who 
briefly invoked the blessings of Heaven upon the holy cause of 
the Order and upon their proceedings about to take place. 

At the conclusion of the prayer, the entire assemblage joined 
in singing 

THE OPENING ODE. 

Great God, to Thee we raise 
Our hopeful song of praise : 

Grant us Thy love. 
Let us in friendship be, 
Let us harmonious see 
Our Order extended be 

All nations o'er. 

Let brothers hand in hand, 
True to each other stand 

Throughout all time ; 
And when life's labor 's o'er, 
And we leave time's earthly shore, 
May we meet, to part no more, 

In heav'n above. 



352 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Sir Knight Brown, at the conclusion of the singing, explained 
that the object of the gathering was to hear an address upon the 
Knighthood from the Grand Chancellor, as it was the desire of 
the Order that the public generally should be informed as to the 
true objects of the brotherhood. He then gave a brief sketch 
of the Order, in which he stated that, although among the young- 
est Orders of the character in the country, its progress was unex- 
ampled. It had been established but a few years since, and yet 
its membership throughout the country had increased to over 
100,000. In Savannah, this Order was first instituted in Septem- 
ber of j 869, and the speaker stated that, if he remembered cor- 
rectly, there were at the initiatory meeting but twenty-four mem- 
bers j now there were five Lodges, with a membership of three 
hundred. He alluded to the motto of the Order, "Friendship, 
Charity, and Benevolence," the three most beautiful tenets in life, 
and gave a very apt interpretation of them. That their charity 
was not confined to mere gifts, but was meant in the broadest 
acceptation of the term ; their mission was to extend assistance 
and encouragement to their erring fellow-man ; to whisper sweet 
hope into the ear of the despairing, and bid him gird up his 
loins for a renewed struggle in the path of duty and right. The 
speaker also gave enlarged views of the friendship and benevo- 
lence of the Order. He desired that the public should be fully 
informed as to the true intents of the Order ; that the impres- 
sion among many was that the Knights of Pythias was an organi- 
zation similar to the Sons of Malta. This was erroneous ; their 
mission was expressed in their motto, and the origin, rise, and 
progress of the Knighthood would be fully explained by the 
orator of the evening, Grand Chancellor of the Grand Lodge of 
the State of Georgia, D. B. Woodruff, of Macon. Chancellor 
Woodruff, amidst the loudest applause, advanced and delivered 
the following beautiful address : 

Officers, Brothers, Ladies, and Gentlemen : 

In attempting to address you on this occasion on " Pythian Knighthood," 
and its rise and progress, I confess I do so with feelings of the greatest reluc- 
tance, aware, necessarily, of my own incompetency to do justice to the cause 
which I have the honor to represent, and I would that the task had been 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 353 

assigned to some one more capable of illustrating the genius and character of 
our Order, and to portray in language forcible enough, and suitable to such an 
occasion, its prominent features, taking captive your hearts in a brilliant ora- 
torical display, and in fancy's flight carry you through scenes rich with rem- 
iniscences of the past, made glorious by its present achievements, and pre- 
senting thoughts sublimely grand in contemplating its future designs in the 
great work before it. But such results can hardly be expected from the hum- 
ble individual who now addresses you. Yet, remembering it is a holy cause 
which I have espoused, and conceiving it a duty to do all that lies in my 
power, I shrink not from the task, for " when duty calls, 'tis ours to obey." 

For more than three thousand years have secret societies existed in the 
world, and their history been familiar with the inhabitants of the earth. How 
much earlier than this their history might be traced, is amatter of conjecture; 
yet we believe it would not be too much to assert that they must have had an 
origin coeval with that of human society. All nations of antiquity have ever 
presented in their traditional history some mysterious secret, some society 
gathered within which were earnest men who entered their secret temples, to 
penetrate the mysterious gloom which enshrouded all acts of the " great I 
am," who said, " let there be light, and there was light; " and amid the mys- 
tic symbols of creation they have toiled and labored, baffled often, and oft 
losing their way, yet they formed an ideal in their secret societies, which 
they put into their lives, and they have not been without their influence on 
the world. Nor has an advancing civilization taught us to do without these 
secret societies ; on the contrary, millions of earth's best and truest men gather 
in every clime about the altars of the different fraternities, and listen obediently 
to the click of the gavel. Among the foremost of these societies in the pres- 
ent day stands the Order " Knights of Pythias." It is not our purpose, 
even if time would permit, to give its history in detail, but to pass the Order 
in review as if it were before you. Pythian Knighthood is a new thing 
under the sun, and the question is often asked, What is there in it to excite 
such an interest in the public mind ? A question not easily answered. Time- 
honored Freemasonry, with all its prestige and fame, and justly merited 
honor, and with its great names and noble deeds, has scarcely ever at any 
period of its existence or history awakened the same measure of popular in- 
terest in its favor. Neither Odd-Fellowship, the noiseless spirit of benevo- 
lence and love, with a fame as grand and universal as it is meritorious and 
just, nor the Order of Red Men, nor the fratei-nity of Druids, nor any other 
secret order has met with the same success as has fallen to the fortune of 
Pythian Knighthood. Around its altars are gathered not only its own 
votaries, but thousands of followers of other Orders, who become its most 
active and enthusiastic patrons and advocates, and bearing, as it does, a name 
that is the synonym of dauntless chivalry and undying love, it wins the heart 
and commands the confidence of the masses of men as no other similar 

30* X 



354 THE KNIGHTS OF P YTHIAS 

fraternity has done before. And we would here state that we come not before 
you boasting of any antiquity, and couching ourselves in the drapery of the 
mighty dead and solemn past, bearing our parchment scrolls, made glorious 
by inspirations, or volumes of legendary or mythological lore made rich by 
the dust and mould of ages, and sacred in the languages of the ancients ; 
nor have we any unwritten history coming from the hoary past, and trans- 
mitted from sire to son through long generations of men. No ! but we come 
stripped of all plumage so fair, and present our youthful Knight, who stalks 
upon the stage with visor down, as the champion of an institution of this 
country, having its organization in our daytime, and we do claim, for its 
brief period of existence, it has far outstripped all kindred fraternities, and 
to-day it is attracting the gaze and challenging the admiration of the world. 
Neither would we here assert that our patron saint, Pythias, or Damon, had 
taken the degrees of our Order as now conferred by our rituals; but the beau- 
tiful story of Damon and Pythias, fiction though it might be, touches a respon- 
sive cord in the great heart of humanity that will vibrate till the trump of 
final doom shall sound the knell of time ; and from this beautiful legend we 
have drawn lessons which shall, in their applications, found a bond of friend- 
ship, uniting man to man with such endearing constancy that nothing shall 
estrange, and nothing but death itself shall separate brother Knights from 
brother Knights. 

The story of Damon and Pythias is one that the world will not willingly 
let die. For nearly half man's historic life has it stood forth with a beauty and 
lustre that an advancing civilization and a higher idea of humanity's claim 
upon humanity have in no wise dimmed, and the story of that friendship has 
in no degree lost its power over men. The Christian of to-day, no less than 
the heathen of the olden time, is moved to admiration, and stimulated to 
emulation by its recital. And the simple story of the two Pythagoreans, strip- 
ped of all ornamentation, embodies a great universal truth, not so much what 
man has done, but a touching portraiture of what man might do ; and the 
bare conception of such an act as Pythias is represented to have performed 
for his friend Damon, awakens a sentiment of admiration, arouses a tender 
sympathy, and excites a commingled emotion which every heart may feel, 
but defies human words to utter. The savage heart pays its tribute to such 
devotion. Men and women in every walk of life approve and admire such 
friendship; and, however ideal it may be, it is conceived of as a possible 
thing; and even the fictitious hero of such a deed becomes the object of uni- 
versal admiration, and receives the almost idolatrous homage of the world. 

These two friends, Damon and Pythias, lived in Syracuse at the close of 
the fifth and beginning of the fourth century B. C. They were both follow- 
ers of Pythagoras and members of his Society, and the teachings they 
received within the secret recesses of this Fraternity seem to have given a 
decidedly democratic bias to their minds. Pythias was a soldier by profession, 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 355 

while the other, Damon, had given himself up to philosophical pursuits, and 
both had an equally ardent patriotism and a determined hatred of tyranny. 
The constant wars in which Syracuse was engaged brought about frequent 
and violent changes of government. Aristocracies were supplanted by tur- 
bulent democracies, and these in turn gave way to despotic rule. 

At the opening of the story of these two friends, the Government was 
democratic, with Dionysius at its head, who began plotting its overthrow. 
Under this regime, Damon and Pythias both occupied prominent places, one 
in the army, the other in the Senate. Damon, suspecting the designs of 
Dionysius, watched him closely, and overhearing an officer of his tampering 
with the fidelity of some troops, interfered in such a manner that his life was 
only saved by the timely aid of Pythias. Damon now hurried to the Senate 
Chamber and found present a large body of soldiery, a thing positively for- 
bidden by law. His astonishment was great, but still further increased by a 
proposition in the Senate to allow Dionysius a large body-guard, which was 
also a violation of law. Against this Damon raised his voice, but without 
effect, and, despairing of his country's liberties under Dionysius, attempted 
to take the life of the tyrant. Foiled in this attempt, he was hurried away 
to instant execution. Pythias, fearing the great patriotism of his friend would 
lead him into danger, hastened from the side of his betrothed bride to the 
Senate-House in time to see Damon hurried away to execution, and denied 
the boon of bidding his wife and child good -by. Pythias earnestly joined 
his supplications to those of Damon, offering to take his place, and be surety, 
even to death, for the return of his friend. Dionysius, struck by this strange 
offer, and fearing the influence of Pythias over the soldiery, consented to the 
exchange, assuring Damon, however, that, if he were not back by sunset, 
Pythias should suffer in his stead. Taking a hasty leave of his friend, Damon 
hurried to his villa, some leagues away, while Pythias, in chains, was cast into 
dungeon. His willingness to take Damon's place had made a deep impres- 
sion on the tyrant, who had no faith in pretended friendship, even denying 
there was such a thing. Disguising himself as a friar, he proceeded to prison, 
where he endeavored to persuade Pythias to flee, offering every inducement, 
and bringing every argument to bear, and even making the positive statement 
that Damon would not return, for the tyrant had ordered his guards to inter- 
cept him, so that he could not. While Dionysius was thus striving, the bride 
of Pythias, whom he had left unwedded at the altar, came into prison, and 
besought him, by all the inducements she could bring, to fly, and pointed to a 
vessel at a point near by with sails unfurled, that had been prepared to con- 
vey him to another land. It was a terrible trial to which he was subjected, 
and the inducements almost too strong for human nature to resist; but resist 
he did, and back to his dungeon he went to await the dread hour. Damon, 
"mounted on a swift steed," had sped to his home, said the last farewell, 
and started to return, but was surprised to find that his servant had slain his 



356 THE KNIGHTS OF P YTHIA S 

horse to prevent his return. In the city the hours of the afternoon were 
swiftly passing; the hands upon the dial in the great square approached the 
sunset hour, and Damon had not returned, and no signs of his appearance. 
No flying horseman or dust-cloud on the distant hillsides extended one ray 
of hope to the brave soul of Pythias as he was led forth to execution ; but 
with his face all radiant with smiles he exclaims, " 'Tis sweet to die for those 
we love." And nothing daunted, but with a firm faith in the honor of his 
friend, he ascends the scaffold, unterrified at the sight of the axe and block, 
the instrument of his now certain death. In the west the sun was sinking 
lower; in the east the shadows were climbing higher and higher the distant 
hills ; while in the tower of the great clock the hammer is already raised to 
strike the hour upon the bell that will proclaim the death-knell of our Pythias, 
and stamp with falsehood and treachery the friendship of Damon. But at 
this instant, dust-stained and breathless, Damon broke through the line of 
guards and fell exhausted upon the scaffold. It was a moment of intense 
joy to Pythias, and of intense surprise to the wondering tyrant. Pythias re- 
joiced, not that his friend had returned to suffer death, but that Damon's 
honor had been vindicated; and the tyrant wondered at such devoted friend- 
ship to a pledged word in such trying circumstances. It was a new revela- 
tion to him. 

Damon was pardoned at once, and Dionysius begged the privilege of being 
a third party in that sacred compact of friendship. 

The pen that drew the picture of Damon and Pythias, whether it depicted 
a literal fact in history, as it probably did, or merely portrayed what might 
be done on the part of a friend for a friend, struck the key-note of a great 
truth of humanity, which has gone ringing through the lapse of more than 
two thousand years, and still it gathers strength, compass, and volume. Out 
over the world is swelling a grander psalm than human ears ever heard be- 
fore, and it is destined to sweep along down the ceaseless roll of the ages, 
and at last swell into full and sublime chorus amid the white-robed millions 
that stand before the eternal throne. 

There is something in the life and acts of a true man that is superior to 
time, that is and will be when time is no more. On such, eternity is stamped. 
This was such an act ! When men cease to admire true manliness ; when 
the world has forgotten that its truest thing is a true life ; when it is willing 
to tear out the pages of its history on which it has written its best, noblest, 
and brightest deed, then, and not till then, shall men cease to be moved by the 
story of Damon and Pythias. 

Read, if you will, the long, dark story of selfishness which the world has 
been writing with its blood, of the fearful crimes that have been committed 
by " man's inhumanity to man," and tell me, can you anywhere, through that 
long, bloody chapter, point to a nobler instance of self-sacrifice or more sa- 
cred example of true friendship ? Other men and other deeds have come, 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 357 

passed away and been forgotten, but these two friends, known only by the 
one great act, stand forth brilliant as a form of light in the darkest midnight. 

The founders of the Order Knights of Pythias, deeply moved by the beau- 
tiful, simple, touching story, thought they saw in it the lesson that would teach 
men their holiest duties, and join heart to heart in firmest bonds of friendship. 
They told the story and besought men to join them in proclaiming its evan- 
gel. One after another heard the message, and bowing at the altar pledged 
hand and heart, even unto death; and to-night, thousands upon thousands 
of God's freemen will answer, and own they are bound to be faithful and 
true, even till their hearts are frozen into silence forever. 

The student of the world's history will find that there have been certain 
hours especially fitted for the announcement of some great design, and when 
humanity was ready for some new idea, there has always been some one to 
think and speak it. It has been in the midst of overturnings and upheavals, 
when the vety foundations of society seemed to be broken up; when, with 
bit in teeth and a loose rein, the world was dashing on to apparent destruc- 
tion, that some strong hand has grasped the reins, and a strong arm has 
curbed the raging world. And we take it that the " Knights of Pythias " is 
just such a movement. It was founded at an hour that was loudly calling 
for a new proclamation of the well-nigh forgotten lessons of Friendship and 
Fraternity. We have not yet forgotten the hour. Its griefs are too fresh, 
its sorrows too deep to have passed away. While we no longer cherish malice 
in our hearts, yet, like some terrible dream, its scenes are often before us and 
always come with a shudder. 

One of the most baneful effects of our civil war was the sundering of all 
ties that had bound men together — the father from son, brother from brother. 
And this sundering was not only between those who were opposed to each 
other at the battle's front, but it extended to those who in political principle 
were joined. All was disunion, discord, and anarchy, not only in the political 
world, but in men's hearts as well. 

The founders of our Order, as the late bloody war was drawing to a close, 
thought of establishing a fraternity that might tend to reunite the severed 
bonds, and bring together again those that had thus been severed and riven 
apart by a fearful chasm; and yet it seemed an hour most unpropitious. 
Greed seemed to be the god. For gain, men were bartering all that was 
good and pure ; their holiest and dearest friendships they had bartered away 
for gold ; and with its pleasing clink filling their ears, would they listen to 
the angel voice of Friendship ? But it was an hour sighing loudly for some 
one with power to whisper to the world its holy lessons and lead men to fra- 
ternity again. And our founder saw our Order was what the hour needed, 
and he was the instrument for meeting this need. 

The stories afloat in regard to the origin of the Order, " Knights of Pythias," 
are numerous and conflicting. One, that is particularly wide of the truth, has 



35 8 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

found its way into many of the newspaper journals of the South and West, 
and which is to the effect that it was instituted and established in 1864, in the 
city of Washington, by Federal soldiers, of whom it was exclusively composed. 
Again it has been asserted, by disappointed adventurers, that it was a politi- 
cal organization, working secretly in the interest of some particular party ; 
and we here make known, and proclaim, that such an assertion is abase libel 
upon its fair name. Others believe, or appear to think, that it is the " Knights 
of the Golden Circle" revived, or the " Sons of Malta," with all their jokes 
and burlesques, presenting themselves in a new face; while not a few have 
transposed our mystic letters F. C. B. to three K's, and shouted Ku-Klux. 
How far all these have missed their mark, I will leave you to judge, while I 
briefly review its history; and as platforms are just now the order of the day, 
I will commence by announcing the platform of the " Knights of Pythias : " 
" Founded on naught but the purest and sincerest motives, its aim is to alle- 
viate the sufferings of a brother; succor the unfortunate; zealously watch at 
the bedside of the sick; soothe the dying pillow; perform the last sad rites 
at the grave of a brother ; offering consolation to the afflicted, and caring for 
the ' widow and orphan.' Having these principles in view, they will endea- 
vor to exemplify them by practical tests ; and if, by the grace of God, they 
can successfully carry out this object, they will feel that their mission has not 
been in vain." 

To J. H. Rathbone belongs the honor of being the founder of the " Knights 
of Pythias." A rough draft of the ritual was written by him in the town of 
Eagle Harbor, Keweenaw county, Michigan, in the winter of i860 and '61. 
Subsequently Mr. Rathbone moved to the city of Washington, D. C, and it 
was not until the 15th day of February, 1864, that steps were taken by him 
to organize a secret benevolent society on the plan which he had sketched in 
1 86 1. On the day named, several gentlemen, members of a musical club, 
known as the " Orion Glee Club," met together, each of whom was solemnly 
obligated by Mr. Rathbone, and having heard his ritual read, determined to 
organize. On the 19th of February, we are told the persons interested in 
the movement met and formed Washington Lodge, No. 1.* 

Time will not permit us to follow the Order in its inductions into all these 
States, Territories, and Provinces, but our recital would be incomplete did 
we not give its history in our own State. The Order was introduced into 
our State by P. C. Sanford B. Palmer, of Hermion Lodge, No. 13, George- 
town, D. C, who on the 24th of September, 1869, organized " Forest City" 
Lodge, No. 1, in this city. On the 7th of December of the same year, a 
charter was granted to organize "Vigilant" Lodge, No. 2, at Augusta. On 
the nth of February following, a dispensation was granted for "Central 
City" Lodge, No. 3, at Macon Ga., which was instituted April 13, 1870. 
Dispensations were granted to " Friendship" Lodge, No. 4, at Savannah, March 

* See page 14, for a full account of Washington Lodge, No. 1. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 359 

26, and " Satillo," No. 5, at Jessup, June 12, and " Myrtle," No. 6, at Savan- 
nah, September 22. On the 20th of March following, the Grand Lodge of 
this State was organized by the Supreme Chancellor. Since that date " Teu- 
tonia," No. 7, and " Excelsior," No. 8, have been organized in the city of 
Savannah, and the reports of all these Lodges, made to the Grand Lodge 
now in session here, show much prosperity in our Order. 

My brothers, we must remember that as an Order, in this State, we are yet 
in our infancy, and unable to take the bold and manly stride with which we 
hope soon to advance. As individual members of this now gigantic Order, 
we occupy but humble positions, it is true, yet it is honorable and dignified, 
it is responsible and arduous, and it is only by a strict observance of our prin- 
ciples that we will acquit ourselves in such a manner as to obtain the approval 
of each other, and the approbation of our hearts. 

The Pythian Knight should be the soul of chivalry, the model of every 
virtue, the true friend, panoplied with the armor of honor, and adhering to 
the moral virtues, friendship, charity, and benevolence ; and he who is not 
true to these is false to his principles, and has never well learned his lesson 
of friendship and love. Let us, then, be true to our professions, let us exert 
our utmost endeavors to extend our Order and to aid in establishing the glo- 
rious reign of the " Golden Power," when the cruel earth shall become kind 
again and a brighter day for humanity dawn. Work with a will, remem- 
bering, 

" The smallest bark on life's troubled ocean, 
Will leave a track behind forevermore ; 
The smallest wave of influence set in motion, 
Extends and widens to the eternal shore." 

Let friendship be our watchword, such a steadfastness of friendship as that 
displayed by our great prototype, St. Pythias — a friendship that made it 
"sweet to die for one so tenderly loved." 

And just here, in making this quotation, I am reminded that there are those 
who pronounce this story of the friendship of Damon and Pythias a fable, 
and, with flippant sneer, would consign it to oblivion ; but we need not go to 
a remote age, and quote an example that may be exaggerated by fiction, for 
an illustration of pure friendship, or to prove that pure friendship is something 
more than a name, and that there has been, and may be, such a friendship 
that a friend will die for a friend. 'Tis enough for our purpose that in this 
nineteenth century there has been presented this glorious spectacle ; and we 
challenge the records of history, mythology, or tradition, to furnish a more 
exalted example of disinterested devotion to friendship, or holier inspiration 
of right, than that given by our brother Knight, Samuel Holder Hines, in the 
city of Richmond, Va., on the morning of December 25, 1870. Go, stand 
with me, in front of the ill-fated Spotswood Hotel, on that morning when the 
roaring, crackling flames, like a tempest, were driving through its lower 



360 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

apartments, and issuing in great tongues of flame through doors and windows, 
leaping onward and upward, when great clouds of smoke hung like a death- 
pall over the scene, and when the frightened inmates were driven forth seek- 
ing places of safety ; and among them we notice the manly form and quiet 
face of Brother Hines, now at a point of safety and escape. A moment more, 
and, with calm determination, he faces danger and almost certain death, 
dashes into the gloom, and disappears in search of a brother Knight. Swiftly 
he traverses the corridors from story to story, everywhere seeking the object 
of his search, while the awe-struck spectators in front in breathless silence 
await his return. At last he appears at a window of an upper story, bearing 
in his arms his exhausted and half-suffocated brother, and is greeted by such 
deafening shouts of applause that they are heard far above and beyond the 
crackling, roaring flames. 

All efforts are now made for his relief, but ere it comes, a crash of falling 
walls is heard, carrying floors and all before them, and the form of our Pyth- 
ias and his friend have disappeared forever. Here we may pause amid the 
smouldering ruins, over his charred remains, and think what he did to save a 
friend; what he did to illustrate the principles of our Order; he who died 
to prove to all time to come the glorious eternity of the principles upon which 
our beloved Order rests; an example no less noble, heroic, and conspicuous 
than that furnished by Pythias, " Damon's best friend." Brothers, here is a 
birthright dearer to every true Knight of our Order than millions of treasure, 
countless hosts of followers, or legends and traditions in all the sanctity of 
mythology. Point your friends to him as the martyr representative of our 
age and people ; as the one who illustrates the teachings of our Order, and 
who showed how 

" That lesson with unflinching faith was kept, 

When keeping earned a martyr's crown and glory ; 
Triumphant now, the coldest hearts are swept 
With noble ardor at the sacred story." 

We may not be called upon to abide such a test as this of our friendship 
for any one ; but let us give such evidence of our sincerity in smaller things 
as to vindicate our claim to confidence in greater emergencies, should they 
fall out by the way to test our devotion. 

The story of Damon and Pythias affords a noble example of genuine friend- 
ship and true chivalry. If we cannot easily attain the perfection of such an 
example, we can at least strive for it. May we all have the true chivalric 
spirit to practically exemplify in life the lessons of brotherhood, charity, and 
self-sacrifice so beautifully taught in our rituals. 

" Have a tear for the wretched, a smile for the glad, 
For the worthy applause, an excuse for the bad ; 
Some help for the needy, some pity for those 
Who stray from the path where true happiness flows. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 36 1 

" Have a laugh for the child in its play at thy feet ; 
Have respect for the aged; pleasantly greet 
The stranger that seeketh a shelter of thee ; 
Have a covering to spare if he naked should be." 

A few words more to those who, like us, bow about our Pythian altar, and 
I leave this portion of the subject. 

There are some things in this earth that were never born to die ; some 
things that are old as time, and yet young as this last morning's daybreak. 
Foremost among these stand the true words and acts of a true, earnest man. 
These will live after him as bright pages of history, reflecting the lustre of 
truth, like stars beaming out in the midst of the dark and stormy heavens. 
Be ever what you seem; strive earnestly for the right, with visor down and 
lance at rest ; strike in defence of all the moral virtues, and, remember, our 
works will live after the monuments of man shall have crumbled away, for 
principles live forever. The age of gold has not come yet, but there are 
earnest hearts praying for it, and earnest brains toiling for it. Every one that 
bows with us about an altar consecrated to true friendship is a positive force 
to hasten its coming. We may not see its dawn. When this festal day comes, 
then will our children's children be no more. We stand now in the evening, 
and see at the close of our dark day the sun go down with a red-hot glory 
and promise behind the last cloud, the still serene Sabbath day of humanity ; 
but our posterity have yet to travel through a night full of wind, and through 
a cloud full of poison, till at last, over a happier earth, an eternal morning- 
wind, full of blossom-spirits moving on before the sun, expelling all clouds, 
shall breathe on men without a sigh. Happy eyes that shall see this morn- 
ing ! Happy hearts that shall feel its rapture ! The sight and rapture are not 
for us. We are born for toil and trouble. As Knights of Pythias of America, 
look up and view the prospective grandeur of the temple we are erecting to 
the service of humanity; a temple which, from foundation to turret, is con- 
nected in the bonds of friendship, beneath whose embattled walls is the home 
of chanty, and from whose dome the light of Pythian principles, through the 
genial sun of benevolence, will illumine the world. 

To those who have not yet affiliated with us in this great work I would ad- 
dress a few remarks, and especially as there may be in this vast assembly 
some good and true men, who love humanity and are striving to serve it. To 
such we are willing, as a society, to extend our hand and bid you welcome 
to our number and to the great work we have before us. Does not the same 
love for the race inspire us both ? Is there not in our hearts the same glori- 
ous hope of a peaceful day for humanity ? Are we not looking beyond that 
pest-cloud that is raining down its poison on the world, for the rifted cloud 
and the beaming sun, and God's bow of promise ? And with these glorious 
aims and grand visions shared in common, are we not brothers by a closer 
tie than that of a common mother and a common blood ? We speak earnestly 
31 



362 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

to you, for we need just such as you to aid us, and you need just the help 
we can bring to make your efforts more fruitful. We think we have shown, 
in the principles of our Order, an argument that should lead every true man 
to beat upon our door for admittance. These principles we publish freely to 
the world. Upon the minds of those who enter our •' portals " we endeavor 
to impress indelibly our principles and objects by impressive ceremonies, with 
symbols and symbolic acts, which, with our means of recognition by signs, 
grips, tokens, and passwords, are all the secrets pertaining to Our Order; 
and nothing therein is inconsistent with the principles which we publicly 
avow. We believe that secrecy is necessary, and no sin. It is ultra essential 
in all walks of life, and an incumbent duty on all. The agent must keep the 
secrets of the principal; the juror, the secret deliberations of the twelve; 
the statesman, the secrets of the cabinet ; the husband and wife, the secrets 
of the family ; and the sentinel, the secret countersign by which his post is 
guarded. Our duty to the Order, to ourselves, and to humanity, requires that 
in some particulars we should "be secret," and we are in honor bound so 
to be. 

That the Order was what the hour needed when it was established will not 
be denied; that it has accomplished already a great work in the re-union of 
a sundered brotherhood will not be gainsaid ; and that its future will be 
marked by a steady and rapid progress in the principles of universal frater- 
nity, I do not doubt ; aye, more, if men are true to the lessons taught in the 
present, the future will not witness such scenes of horror as were enacted 
during our four years of civil war. 

Year after year is making the world better, purer, holier; and year after 
year assists in the realization of the hopes of the " Knights of Pythias.' 
" Peace on earth and good-will to men." 

To the ladies who have graced this occasion by their presence, I desire to 
tender my sincere thanks for this evidence of your appreciation of the good 
cause in which we are engaged. 

If there be one incentive more than another to nerve the arm and press 
the energy of man to works of humanity, that incentive is supplied in the 
heroic example of woman. 

Her presence, her co-operation, her smile and words of encouragement, are 
worth to our cause more than gold and silver or precious stones. And but 
for woman, as the chief beneficiary, by consequence and indirection at least, 
our Order would be confined to a mere handful of mutually dependent young 
men, and a parcel of superannuated old bachelors. It is woman's good that 
leads men to band together in this, as in other fraternities, under solemn 
pledges of mutual obligation in life, and to provide for and care for each 
other's families when death shall remove the stay and support of the house- 
hold. 

Woman, last of all, should object to benevolent associations, and I am 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 363 

bold to say to mothers, wives, and sisters, that if the lessons taught in the 
" Lodge Room " were rigidly and faithfully practised in life, men would be 
better, more thoughtful of those dependent upon them, less selfish and far 
happier. 

For your presence we thank you, and with your approving smiles and the 
Divine blessing our Order will never fail. 

And now our task is done. If we have uttered one word which will lead 
men to think kindly of our institution and recognize its claims in the great 
cause of humanity, we are content ; and if, in our efforts to present the Order 
and its claims properly before you, we shall have succeeded in arousing any 
lethargic Knight to a sense of his duty, and to gird himself for increased 
activity in our cause, we shall have accomplished all that was anticipated. 

Friendship — beautiful friendship ! Is there anything more attractive ; 
more beautiful ; more valuable than sincere, disinterested, pure, abiding 
friendship ? 

Beautiful creature ! We have at last built for thee a thousand homes. 
Wander no more. Go and take abiding shelter beside our multiplied hun- 
dreds of Pythian altars. Sing thy sweet songs in exile no more. Dwell 
forever in our Lodges as the presiding genius, and go with us on our mission 
of mercy to the world ; healing the divisions that have broken up the peace 
and happiness of families, of communities, of nations; and never cease thy 
blessed work till the King of Peace descends to reign on earth forever. 
\ 

During the reading of this address the Chancellor was fre- 
quently interrupted by applause. The address was listened to 
with deep attention and pleasure, and we are sure will be read 
with equal gratification to-day. Feeling thus, we have been in- 
duced to give it entire. 

The exercises closed with singing this 



May your slumbers be all blest, 
When you close your eyes in rest ; 
May the holy angels keep 
Vigils o'er you while you sleep. 
Good-night. 

Sleep till rosy morning comes 
With its light to bless your homes ; 
Bless the angels that will keep 
Vigils o'er you while you sleep. 
Good-night. 



364 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS. 

In the morning, at 11 o'clock, the officers who were previously 
elected, were duly installed in office by the Grand Chancellor. 



Grand Jurisdiction of Illinois. 

THE Grand Lodge met in annual session in its hall in Chi- 
cago, at 9 a. m., Tuesday, October 17 th, with the follow- 
ing officers present : 

Grand Chancellor — S. J. Willett. 

Grand Vice Chancellor — M. Vessey. 

Grand Prelate — J. V. Swarthout. 

Grand M. of £.—]. D. Roper. 

Grand Keeper of Records and Seal — J. H. Freeman. 

Grand Master-at-Arms — W. A. Schmidt. 

Grand hiside Guardian — I. R. Gardner. 

Grand Outside Guardian — N. H. Plotke. 

Past Chancellors and Representatives, whose credentials had 
been found correct, were admitted, and the G. L. degree con- 
ferred upon them. 

The G. C. submitted his annual report. Below is as full a 
synopsis as is of general interest : 

Representatives and Brethren : 

Again I am called upon to give an account of my stewardship. 
I take pleasure in stating that, notwithstanding the almost un- 
precedented stringent times experienced during the past year, the 
numerical strength of our jurisdiction has not diminished, but 
slightly increased. 

NEW LODGES. 

Assisted by C. C. R. A. Higgins, and Bro. Knight McBride, of 
No. 14, I instituted Malta Lodge, No. 61, at Beardstown, Cass 
county, and conferred the ranks of Page, Esquire, and Knight 
upon eighteen petitioners. 

Saxon Lodge, No. 62, at Galena, was instituted by G. K. R. 
& S., H. W. Rice, who also instituted Corinthian Lodge, No. 
63, at Sterling, Whiteside county. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 365 

Assisted by a large delegation of officers and members of Nos. 
T4, 17, and 58, and G. M. of E. J. D. Roper, I instituted Mys- 
tic Lodge, No. 64, at Taylorville, Christian county, and confer- 
red the several ranks upon a large number of excellent candidates. 
Our delegation was met at the depot by a committee and brass 
band ; when we marched across the city to receive the large dele- 
gations from Decatur and Warrensburg ; at midnight a recess 
was taken, when the whole company was invited to a magnificent 
banquet, prepared for the occasion. After ample justice had 
been done, we returned to the Castle Hall and finished up the 
work, installing the officers, and setting to work in Pythian Knight- 
hood as fine a Lodge as it was ever my privilege to see organized. 

Antioch Lodge, No. 65, was instituted at Jersey ville, Jersey 
county, by C. G. Averill, P. C. of No. 14, assisted by P. C. Val. 
B. Hummell and others. This Lodge I am pleased to report 
prosperous. 

White Cross Lodge, No. 66, was instituted at Litchfield by W. 
T. Vandever, P. C. of Mystic, No. 64, and his entire Lodge. 

Thus, brethren, I congratulate you that, notwithstanding the 
severe hard times, we have added to our Grand Lodge roster a 
few numbers. 

I invite attention to the complete exhibit by the G. K. of R. 
& S., ad interim , John H. Freeman. 

MEMBERSHIP. 

Last report 1847 

Admitted by card 20 

Reinstated. ..." 16 

Initiated during term 237 

Less — 2220 

Withdrawn by card 24 

Suspended 154 

Deaths 5 183 

Present membership 2037 

Last report 1847 

Net increase , 190 

31* 



366 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

RECEIPTS. 

On hand last report $1067 55 

Per capita 1803 85 

Ranks 124 00 

Dispensation papers 608 50 

Other resources 100 45 

Total 3704 35 

Expenditures 2508 77 



Bal. in hands of G. M. of E $1195 58 

And now, Representatives, I am about to deliver back to you 
the authority you entrusted me with one year since. I sincerely 
hope that no dishonor entangled it while in my possession. My 
opportunities have been limited. I had desired to visit many of 
the Lodges and encourage them in the work, but have been able 
to visit but few. I trust that my successor will be much better 
situated in this respect than I have been, as doubtless an occa- 
sional visit of the Grand Chancellor to his Subordinate Lodges 
is of great benefit to the Order. I have also the pleasing duty 
to perform of expressing my gratefulness for the many courtesies 
I have received during my term of office, and sincerely trust that 
my shortcomings will be overlooked, and if, in my failings, I 
have wronged one of you in word or deed, I pray you remember 
it against me no more forever, and I, in the language of a great 
benefactor, " With malice toward none, and at peace with the 
whole world," wish you a harmonious and pleasant session, and 
prosperity for your entire future. 

The Grand Lodge granted charters to Lodges Nos. 37, 44, 
46, 47, and 57, in lieu of warrants, under which they have been 
working. A warrant was reissued to Constantine Lodge, No. 
55, to reorganize, it having surrendered its former warrant. A 
dispensation was granted to certain parties to establish a Lodge 
in Marshall, Clark county. 

The Supreme Representatives submitted the circular recently 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 367 

issued by the S. C. and S. K. of R. & S. as their report, they 
facetiously claiming it had been printed for them. The deci- 
sions of the G. C. were generally approved, and the following 
resolutions, having the effect of law, were passed : 

A P. G. C., though he may not have taken the rank of P. G. 
C, if entitled thereto, can only offer legislative motions through 
the Representatives of their respective Lodges, and are entitled 
to vote upon questions not of a legislative nature. 

Officers who are also Representatives, are entitled to but one 
vote. 

A D. D. G. C.'has no right to give the S. A. P. W. to any 
other than a C. C, whom he installs into office. 

The Supreme Representatives were instructed to present the 
form of tactics used by Capital Lodge, No. 14, to the Supreme 
Lodge and urge their adoption. 

Also to offer such revision of the Ritual to the Supreme Lodge 
Committee on Revision of the Ritual as their judgment deemed 
proper. 

The Grand Lodge adopted a revised Mortuary Association 
Law, which removes the compulsory provision, leaving it op- 
tional with a member to join it. The Association is officered 
by the G. C. as President, the V. G. C. as Vice-President, the 
G. M. of E. as Treasurer, and the G. K. of R. & S. as Secre- 
tary. 

On the evening of the 18th, the Grand Lodge assembled in 
secret session, when the unwritten work was exemplified by Su- 
preme Representative D. A. Cashman, in a highly creditable 
manner. 

The following officers were elected for the ensuing year : 

Past Grand Chancellor — H. G. Herr, of Bloomington. 

Grand Chancellor — S. J. Willett (re-elected), of Springfield. 

Vice Grand Chancellor — E. C. Race, of Chicago. 

Grand Prelate — Wm. A. Schmidt, of Quincy. 

Grand Master of Exchequer — J. D. Roper (re-elected), of 
Springfield. 

Grand Keeper of Records and Seal — John H. Freeman, of 
Springfield. 



368 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Grand Master-at-Arms — G. S. Dana, of Springfield. 
Grand Inner Guard — W. F. Beck, of Olney. 
Grand Outer Guard — J. S. Culver, of Taylorsville. 
The next session will be held in Springfield. 



Grand Jurisdiction of Indiana. 

THE Order of Knights of Pythias was first introduced into the 
State of Indiana on the 12th of July, 1869, by the organi- 
zation of Marion Lodge, No. 1, and Olive Branch Lodge, 
No. 2, at the city of Indianapolis. The history of the Order 
for the first two years was not very satisfactory ; the progress was 
very slow, and it was with great difficulty that the Grand and 
Subordinate Lodges were maintained. Like many other insti- 
tutions, it was cursed with a few men whose whole aim was to 
make money out of the Order, and they almost sapped the very 
life of the Order away, discouraged the membership, and re- 
tarded the proper progress of the institution. The organization 
of new Lodges was very difficult work — many believing it to be 
an institution similar in character to the Sons of Malta, while 
others objected to the enormous expenses incurred in the forma- 
tion of Lodges. The blood-sucking individuals were soon 
worked out of position, and finally out of the Order ; then the 
real prosperity of the Order began, and has continued unabated 
until the present time; and to-day the Order of Knights of 
Pythias stands in the front rank, recognized as one of the lead- 
ing secret societies of the State. 

Owing to the depressed financial condition of the country for 
the past two years, the increase has not been as rapid as might 
be desired, yet the additions that have been made to the ranks 
are of that character that reflects great credit upon the institu- 
tion. The prospects for a grand and glorious future for the 
Order in this jurisdiction are certainly very flattering. 

All calls for assistance have been met promptly and cheerfully. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 369 

At the time the twenty cent tax was imposed on the membership 
to sustain the head of the Order, Indiana gained the proud dis- 
tinction of being the first jurisdiction to respond, by the pay- 
ment of her proportion of the amount in full. 

The membership in Indiana will compare favorably with that 
of any similar institution. In her ranks may be found many of 
the best business and professional men of the State. 

Since the organization of the Order in this jurisdiction, there 
have been initiated into its mysteries, 4376 ; admitted by card, 
266; reinstated, 151 ; withdrawn, 363; suspended from various 
causes near 900 (most of them for non-payment of dues) ; de- 
ceased, 90. Total membership in good standing, June 30, 1876, 
3290. Number of Lodges that have been instituted, 70 ; sur- 
rendered their charters, 6 ; making 64 working Lodges on June 
30, 1876. The investments of the Subordinate Lodges amount 
to $30,000 ; the total resources aggregate $40,000. There has 
been paid for the relief of brothers and their families, and for 
burying the dead, nearly $26,000. The Widows' and Orphans' 
Fund will approximate $10,000. 

The Grand Lodge was organized on the 20th day of October, 
1869. At that time there were only six Lodges in the State. 
Supreme Chancellor Samuel Read was present, obligated the Past 
Chancellors, and installed the officers of the new Grand Lodge. 

The sessions of the Grand Lodge are held semi-annually, in 
January and July of each year. Bro. Joseph Dowdall, S. K. of 
R. & S., was present during the last session of the Grand Lodge, 
and stated that the membership was one of the "best looking 
and most intelligent bodies he had ever met." The present 
officers of the Grand Lodge are : Past Grand Chancellor, Will 
T. Myers, wholesale grocer, Jeffersonville ; Grand Chancellor, 
Charles P. Tuley, merchant, Bloomington ; Grand Vice Chan- 
cellor, David W. La Follette, lawyer, New Albany ; Grand Prel- 
ate, D. B. Shideler, insurance agent, Indianapolis; Grand 
Keeper of Records and Seal, N. C. Potter, bookkeeper and sec- 
retary, Indianapolis ; Grand Master of Exchequer, Arthur A. 
Curine, leather dealer, Richmond ; Grand Master-at-Arms, Wil- 
bur F. Taylor, lawyer, Lafayette ; Grand Inner Guards John H. 

Y 



370 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Peck, cigar manufacturer, Logansport, Grand Outer Guard, W. 
H. Coover, collection agent, Remington ; Supreme Represen- 
tatives, Samuel P. Oyler, lawyer, Franklin, and H. H. Morri- 
son, dentist, Greencastle. 

The recognized leaders and influential members of the Order 
in this State are N. C. Potter, J. W. Luther, manf. ; Michael 
Stenhauer, manf. ; John Cavin, lawyer (Mayor of Indianapolis, 
and first Grand Chancellor) ; John B. Stumph, Supreme M. of 
E. ; Calvin F. Rooker, lawyer ; Russell Elliott, auditor I. & St. 
L. R. R. ; R. F. Bence, Recorder Marion co. ; Will T. Walker, 
editor ; W. F. Slater, R. R. official ; N. R. Ruckle, Ind. Jour- 
nal Co. ; Gen. Dan Macauley, Academy of Music ; John W. Mc- 
Quiddy, O. F. Mut. Aid Society; D. B. Shideler, ins. agt., all 
of Indianapolis. D. W. La Follette, lawyer, New Albany; 
Will T. Myers, wholesale grocer, Jeffersonville ; E. G. Herr, 
lawyer, Goshen ; Gen. Reub. Williams, editor, Warsaw ; Gen. 
Lew Wallace, lawyer and author, Crawfordsville ; Col. S. P. 
Oyler, lawyer, Franklin; Hon. N. T. Carr, lawyer, Columbus; 
Wm. M. Hess, politician (Rep. Can. for Aud. of State), Dan- 
ville; Alfred Dickey, merchant, Crawfordsville; Chas. O. Leh- 
man, manf. , Edinburg ; W. F. Taylor, lawyer, Lafayette ; Judge 
J. R. Carnahan, Lafayette. 



Grand Jurisdiction of Iowa. 

BY H. D. WALKER, P. G. C. AND G. K. OF R. AND S. 

THE Order was introduced into Iowa on the 19th day of 
June, 1869, through the efforts of B. F. Pinkerton, of Tre- 
mont Lodge, No. 128, of the Grand Jurisdiction of Penn- 
sylvania. The first Lodge K. of P. was organized at Cedar 
Rapids on the 4th day of September, 1869, and called Star of 
the West. Past Supreme Chancellor Samuel Read, of New Jer- 
sey, and Deputy Grand Chancellor Kestor, of Illinois, instituted 
the same. B. F. Pinkerton was then appointed Deputy Su- 
preme Chancellor for Iowa. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 37 1 

On the 10th day of December, 1869, B. F. Pinkerton, D. S. 
C, organized Evening Star Lodge, No. 2, at Cedar Rapids. 
This Lodge was composed exclusively of Bohemians. Star of 
Bethlehem Lodge, No. 3, was established at Mount Vernon, 
February 10, 1870. Thence followed, in rapid succession, the 
organization of Western Star Lodge, No. 4, at Waverly; Morning 
Star Lodge, No. 5, at Keokuk; Eastern Star Lodge, No. 6, at 
Mount Pleasant, and Radiant Star Lodge, No. 7, at Cedar 
Rapids. 

On the 4th day of July, 1870, a Grand Lodge was organized 
at Cedar Rapids, by that honored Knight and Brother, Past Su- 
preme Chancellor Samuel Read. There were representatives 
present from Lodges Nos. 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7, and at the first 
session a constitution for Subordinate Lodges, Grand Lodge, 
and a Code of Procedure were adopted. 

On the 1 8th day of January, 1871, Mariola Lodge, No. 8, 
was instituted at Marion. On the 2 2d day of February, 187 1, 
Myrtle Lodge, No. 9, was organized at Des Moines, and on the 
1 6th day of June, 187 1, Damon Lodge, No. 10, was organized 
at Davenport. 

, The second annual session of the Grand Lodge was held at 
Cedar Rapids, June 20, 1871. Friendship Lodge, No. 11, was 
organized at Burlington on the 2d day of February, 1872, and on 
the 14th day of February, 1872, the Grand Lodge convened in 
special session at Des Moines. From this date the Order spread 
rapidly in Iowa, and prior to the next annual session, Wapello 
Lodge, No. 12, of Ottumwa; Columbia Lodge, No. 13, of Sioux 
City; Germania Lodge, No. 14, of Ottumwa; Schiller Lodge, 
No. 15, of Burlington; Ivanhoe Lodge, No. 16, of Waterloo, 
and St. Albans, No. 17, of Council Bluffs, were duly instituted. 

The third annual session of the Grand Lodge was held at the 
city of Burlington on the 9th and 10th days of July, 1872, and 
during this session a new constitution for Grand and Subordi- 
nate Lodges was adopted, and the time of meeting in annual 
session changed from July to January. Prior to the next annual 
convocation, Prudence Lodge, No. 18, was established at Atlan- 
tic. The Grand Lodge next convened at Ottumwa, on January 



372 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

28th and 29th, 1873. There was no legislation of importance 
during this convention. 

During the year 1873, Eagle Lodge, No. 19, Creston; Agrip- 
pa Lodge, No. 20, Sigourney; Gem City Lodge, No. 21, Fort 
Madison; Liberty Lodge, No. 22, Columbus City, and Full 
Moon Lodge, No. 23, Corning, were properly instituted. 

The fifth annual session of the Grand Lodge was held at Dav- 
enport, January 27th and 28th, 1874, and the Grand Lodge, 
for the first time since its organization, was placed on a sound 
financial basis, and the Representatives were partially compen- 
sated for their services. During the year 1874, Corinth Lodge, 
No. 24, Iowa City, and Chariton Lodge, No. 25, Chariton, were 
added to the roster. 

The Grand Lodge again convened at Fort Madison on Janu- 
ary 26th and 27th, 1875, ^ n sixth annual session, and during this 
session a resolution was adopted changing the time of the meet- 
ings to the second Tuesday of February of each year. 

During the year 1875, tne following Lodges were established, 
to wit: Calanthe, No. 26, at Bloomfield ; Border, No. 27, at 
Allerton ; Jackson, No. 28, at Milton ; Capital City, No. 29, at 
Des Moines; Crystal, No. 30, at Agency City; Troy, No. 31, at 
Albia; St. John, No. 32, at Osceola; Hesperia, No. 33, at Leon; 
Chosen Friends, No. 34, at Perlee; Centennial, No. 35, at Af- 
ton ; Dunlap, No. 36, at Dunlap. 

The seventh annual session was held on the 8th and 9th days 
of February, 1876, at Mount Pleasant, Iowa, and was an ex- 
tremely pleasant and profitable one. Since then, Forest City 
Lodge, No. 37, at Fairfield, and Cosmopolitan Lodge, No. 38, 
at Marshalltown, have been organized, and still the good work 
goes bravely on. We earnestly invoke the aid of every true 
Knight in our beautiful prairie State in building up within its 
borders our glorious Order. Let us strive to make men more 
friendly, more charitable, and more benevolent through this 
agency. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 2>7?> 

Abstract of Report to Supreme Lodge of the World, 
for the year ending December 31st, 187B. 

MEMBERSHIP. 

Number per last report, Dec. 31, 1874 447 

Initiated during the year 378 

Admitted by card 11 

Reinstated 8 

397 

Total. 844 

From which deduct : 

Number withdrawn, by card 37 

Suspended 64 

Deceased 2 

103 

Present number of members 741 

Net increase , 294 

FINANCIAL. 

Total receipts _ $4529 28 

Total expenditures 2096 33 

Amount on hand $3496 94 

Paid for relief of brothers 217 00 

Paid for burying the dead 70 00 

DECISIONS. 

1. A member who has been tried by his Lodge and suspended, 
and appeals from that decision, has no right to visit the Lodge 
during the pendency of his appeal. 

2. It is not necessary that a P. C. should have received the 
degree to be eligible as a Representative. 

3. A candidate who has been guilty of an offence against 
another secret Order, which is not a crime before the law nor 

32 



374 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

an offence against Pythian law, cannot be held accountable by a 
Lodge of K. of P. 

4. Charges cannot be brought against a Page. 

5. A C. C. is eligible to re-election. 

{See Proceedings G. Lodge of Iowa, page 59.) 

1. A member of a Lodge in Pennsylvania, who was initiated in 
1868, and received the rank of Page only, and has been a resi- 
dent of the State three years. Can a Lodge in this State receive 
his petition for membership ? Answer — No ; he must procure 
a Withdrawal Card from his Lodge. 

2. Has a Lodge the right to give a Brother an order for the 
S. A. P. W. who has a Withdrawal Card four months old ? An- 
swer — No. 

3. How many candidates can a Lodge initiate in one evening? 
Answer — As many as you please, provided you confer the 2d 
and 3d Rank on but one candidate at a time. 

4. Has the C. C. a right to vote on all questions? Answer — 
A presiding officer has no right to vote on any question except 
when it is a tie ; then he has the casting vote, and in balloting 
for candidates and election of officers. 

5. Who is entitled to the term P. W. ? Answer — Knights 
only. 

6. Who pays the expenses of the G. C. when he visits a Lodge? 
Answer — The Lodge extending the invitation. 

7. Where does a P. C. receive the G. Lodge Degree? An- 
swer — At the sessions of the G. Lodge on the presentation of a 
certificate from his Lodge, under seal, stating that he is a P. C. 

8. A brother is elected on card, but the fee accompanying his 
petition was short $2.00 ; can he be excluded from membership 
with the Lodge ? Answer — No ; the Lodge is to blame in re- 
ceiving his petition without the necessary fee accompanying the 
same. 

{See page 140 Proceedings G. Lodge of Iowa.) 

Question 1. Is a person who has lost his arm at the elbow 
eligible for membership ? 
Answer. No. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT- BO OK. $7$ 

Question 2. Is a brother entitled to the S. A. P. W. until his 
dues are paid, or can they have it until they are six months in 
arrears ? 

Answer. No brother is entitled to the S. A. P. W. who is in 
arrears to the value of one cent. 

Question 3. A brother received the S. A. P. W. at the be- 
ginning of the term. During the term allows himself to run 
behind in his dues. Now claims that he has forgotten the P. W. 
and asks to be invested with it again. Is he entitled to it ? 

Answer. Not until he clears himself on the books. 

{See page 170 Proceedings G. Lodge of Iowa.) 

GRAND CHANCELLOR'S REPORT. 

To the Officers and Members of Grand Lodge K. of P. of Iowa : 

Representatives and Brethren : — At the very threshold of 
our annual convention let us invoke the choicest blessings of 
heaven upon our deliberations and legislation. Let us come 
around these altars with pure hearts, bound together with the 
indissoluble bonds of Friendship, Charity, and Benevolence, and 
with resolute wills, to work solely for the .good of the Order. 
We have assumed very grave responsibilities, and woe be to that 
brother who falters or proves recreant to the sacred trust. 

Words cannot adequately portray my appreciation of the high 
compliment your last annual convention bestowed upon me, in 
designating me as your presiding officer for the year 1875. ^ 
was with fear and trembling that the trust was accepted, and 
it is now with grave doubts, that your esteem and confidence 
were well merited, the account of my stewardship is rendered 
unto you. 

We should be especially grateful to the Giver of every good 
and perfect gift for the health, peace, golden harvests, and pros- 
perity of the people of this commonwealth, and the universal 
reign of love, peace, and harmony within all our borders. 

You are representatives of and are convened in your seventh 
annual session to legislate for the interests of a benevolent Order, 
that now ranks as the third charitable Order on earth in mem- 



376 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

bership and influence. It seems but as yesterday when our Or- 
der sprung into existence. You are all cognizant of the insti- 
tuting of Washington Lodge, No. i, K. of P., at Washington 
City, D. C, on the 19th day of February, 1864, less than twelve 
years ago. 

To the faithful and attentive student of history, who has care- 
fully noted the rise, progress, and causes of all great moral revo- 
lutions, the organization, rapid growth, and powerful vitality of 
this Order will not be a problem of difficult solution. Its founder 
surveyed the country, with its soil crimsoned with fraternal blood, 
having just emerged from a four years' war, in which brother was 
arrayed against brother, and father against son; in which family 
ties were sundered as if but gossamer. The sacred injunctions : 
"Love one another," "Do good to those that curse you and 
despitefully use you," " Do unto others as you would have others 
do unto you," "Love thy neighbor as thyself," went all un- 
heeded and unpractised. 

He saw there was an almost impassable gulf between the peo- 
ple of the sections, and conceived a plan of reconciliation be- 
tween the two factions, so that harmony and fraternal love might 
again prevail. With a common parentage, heirs apparent of the 
same rich legacy and a common destiny, some potent agency 
was needed to imprint upon the hearts of all lessons of pure 
friendship, and dispel the demons of envy, hatred, malice, and 
murder. The very safety of the republic is in the loyalty of 
the masses and in the unity of sentiment of every section. Ex- 
amples of pure, unalloyed, and steadfast friendship were sought 
for, and away back in the remote ages of antiquity, the case of 
our patron saint lit up the darkness and gloom of a heathen, 
barbarous era with its matchless beauty and brilliancy. 

Such a sublime exemplification of disinterested friendship in 
an age of superstition, idolatry, and practical atheism attracted 
the attention of the author of our ritual and induced him, no 
doubt, to adopt this thrilling historical incident as the substratum 
of our grand Order, and it is to-day the keystone of the arch of 
Pythianism. 

It is said that history repeats itself. In glancing over the 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT- BO OK. ^7 

pages of modern history, we find many striking analogies to the 
stirring events of ancient times. Our cardinal principles and 
doctrines have borne some rich and luscious fruits, and the in- 
stances are not rare where men have borne each other's burdens, 
and made noble sacrifices for their fellow-men. 

The beneficent effects of the beautiful and impressive lessons 
of our Ritual were visible in the prompt and ample relief afforded 
the Knights of Memphis, Tennessee, when they were so bitterly 
scourged by that terrible and loathsome disease, the yellow fever, 
in the memorable summer of 1873. 

You will pardon me for quoting a few lines from the report of 
the Grand Chancellor of Tennessee, to wit : 

" From Pulaski I turned my steps homeward toward our already plague- 
stricken Bluff City, to find a gallant though small Pythian band at that point, 
already at work battling with heroic courage against that dread destroyer, 
whose yellow visage made sad the fireside of nearly every family in our 
midst. I saw at once, that while willing hands were plenty, we must have 
money to render their services of value. Knowing full well that to ask of 
Pythian Knights, in the name of charity, was to receive a bountiful supply 
at their hands, I telegraphed to but a few jurisdictions, and to their eternal 
credit be it said, their response was both generous and prompt. On the 27th 
of October all further contributions were respectfully asked to be withdrawn, 
sufficient for our wants having been received. During the entire prevalence 
of this dreadful scourge in Memphis, the Knights of Pythias Relief Commit- 
tee stood boldly in the breach and fulfilled to the last letter their every vow. 
No invidious distinction can be here made, by calling the names of any mem- 
bers of this faithful band. They did their duty, can I say more ? Not for 
them certainly ; but tell me where to find the words to convey even faintly 
our appreciation of the conduct of our brethren everywhere far and near. 
Only this can we offer in return, besides our grateful thanks, a prayer from 
the depths of our hearts that God, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, may 
spare them any such dire visitation. Should affliction, however, come 
upon them, then may the same Great Omnipotent Being raise up for them 
such friends as ministered so kindly to our wants in the hour of trial. Other 
prominent cities in our State have likewise been visited with contagious dis- 
eases. Nashville, Knoxville, and other points, have suffered to a great ex- 
tent; the business enterprises staggered, their population scattered, and confi- 
dence in the future almost lost. This has been the experience of nearly every 
commercial centre in Tennessee. With such surroundings, it could not be 
expected that a very rapid growth of our Order would be announced at this 
session. However, if we have no large incease in numbers, those added to 
32* 



378 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

our rolls are, I feel assured, of the best material in the State, and add greatly 
to our strength and influence." 

One of the grandest exemplifications of our humane spirit, as 
yet recorded, was the act of that valiant and devoted Knight, 
Samuel H. Hines, who sacrificed his own life in a vain endeavor 
to save that of his friend, at the burning of Spotswood Hotel, in 
Richmond, Virginia, on the morning of December 25th, 1870. 
In this crowning act of heroism and bravery, he demonstrated 
to the world that 

" For friendship, of itself an holy tie, 
Is made more sacred by adversity." 

His name will be honored and revered by every true Knight in 
all future time, and a diadem of immortal beauty will be added 
to his crown of rejoicing. 

All through our broad land myriads of kind acts are daily 
being performed in secret — myriads of kind words are being 
hourly whispered in the ear of the disconsolate to cheer and en- 
liven their drooping hearts and calm their fears. Multitudes of 
desolate homes are being spanned by the rainbow of hope, by 
the direct agency of these great charitable Orders. 

The principles of our Order have found an abiding place in 
the hearts of the noble and chivalric Knights of our glorious 
Prairie State, and it is cheerful to behold their rapid spread in 
this Grand Jurisdiction since the Grand Lodge was organized, 
on the 4th day of July, 1870. 

Like all other organizations of a similar character, we have 
had our dark days, and have been compelled to pass many severe 
ordeals. In examining the reports of my predecessors, I find 
that it became necessary to issue bonds to meet the current ex- 
penses of the Grand Lodge, and that on the 14th day of Febru- 
ary, 1872, an issue of bonds was ordered. 

Grand Chancellor Joseph D. Weeks, in his report, says that : 

" The old Lodges and their members seemed to have little faith in the 
permanency of our Order in the State, or in its ability to meet its obligations. 
The youngest Lodge in the State seems to have been the true prophet of 
our future. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 2>79 

" But two of our Grand Lodge bonds have been taken outside of this Lodge. 
I hesitate to utter what I feel it in my heart to say about this Lodge, to 
wit : Friendship Lodge, No. II, K. of P., as it is my own Lodge, and organ- 
ized in part through my efforts ; but I firmly believe that were it not for Friend- 
ship Lodge, No. II, and its members, we, as a Grand Jurisdiction, would to- 
day be without a place in the Pythian ranks, and a by-word and reproach 
to all. Though small in numbers, and scarcely six weeks old, they advanced on 
bonds two hundred and fifty dollars, and this, in a large measure, kept us 
alive; for I am free to say that, had not our indebtedness been met, I should 
have been discouraged." 

This was the pivotal point of our existence as a Grand Juris- 
diction, and no words of eulogy are adequate to give a proper 
expression to the kind feelings every true Knight should enter- 
tain towards those chivalric brothers for such material aid. 

Owing to the recreancy of one of the Supreme officers, the 
Supreme Lodge of the World has been heretofore financially 
embarrassed and compelled to ask for aid, in the mode of a per 
capita tax on the membership of the various Grand Jurisdictions. 
This request for aid was cheerfully and promptly granted, and on 
the 30th day of April, 1875, tne report of the Supreme Master 
of Exchequer shows a surplus of cash on hand of $4,303.36, after 
payment of all outstanding indebtedness. 

In the night, weary and worn with watching and anxiety, you 
say: 

" Show me the morning and the morning's sun." 

"Nay," says the watcher by your side, "I cannot show you 
the morning ; but look ! there is where the sun is coming from, 
and there are signs of his coming ! I behold the dark is turning 
to gray, the gray is turning to pearl, the pearl is turning to white, 
and the white is turning to rose color ; and though I see not 
that which is called morning, though I see not the form of the 
sun, yet I see where it is coming from and the evidences of its 
coming." 

We have now become one of the permanent institutions, and 
every man, woman, and child should critically examine our 
claims to public confidence. We challenge investigation and 
the closest scrutiny. We announce to the world that our 
Order is : 



380 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

" Founded on naught but the purest and sincerest motives ; its 
aim is to alleviate the sufferings of a brother, succor the unfor- 
tunate, zealously watch at the bedside of the sick, soothe the 
dying pillow, perform the last sad rites at the grave of a brother ; 
offering consolation to the afflicted, and caring for the widow 
and orphan. Having these principles in view, they will en- 
deavor to exemplify them by practical trials ; and if, by the grace 
of God, it shall successfully carry out this object, they will feel 
that their mission has not been in vain." 

If our rewards do not come in this world, we believe that in a 
higher and holier state, we shall reap as we have sown. Every 
tear that is dried, every sorrow that is assuaged, every pang of 
hunger that is appeased, shall add to our crowns of rejoicing. 
The material growth and advancement of our country is marvel- 
ous, and all tends to develop the greed, avarice, and ambition 
of men. And these great counteracting forces, that form the 
substrata of these benevolent Orders, must be strong, active, and 
persistent, or the race will become a horde of money-getters, and 
all traces of manhood and humanity will be annihilated. 

The sight of heaps of gold so dazzles and enchants the human 
mind, that, encased in supreme selfishness, it soon becomes ob- 
livious to human suffering, to the claims of society, and even the 
superior claims of religion. Friends, family, character, health, 
and even life itself, are all freely sacrificed in the swift race for 
its rapid acquisition. 

The Christian Church, in all its branches, with its hosts of 
noble, self-sacrificing ministers and laity, are doing a grand work 
in driving back the clouds of error that darken the visions of 
men, and instilling in their minds the true doctrine of social 
dependence. 

There is no antagonism between the beautiful lessons of our 
Ritual and Christianity in its broad and liberal sense. No man 
can listen to the charges and lectures in our Castle Halls from 
week to week, without becoming more friendly, more charitable, 
and more benevolent, because these are the cardinal principles 
therein inculcated, and are akin to the highest type of Chris- 
tianity. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 38 1 

If a man declares that he is a Christian, and yet refuses to "visit 
the sick, relieve the distressed, bury the dead, and educate the 
orphan," I most emphatically deny his right to that title. 

Upon the pillars of Friendship, Charity, and Benevolence rest 
the great Pythian Temple. Already over one hundred thousand 
brave Knights crowd around its altars, and its massive walls, 
splendid architecture, and grand proportions challenge the admi- 
ration of the world. Its messengers of love, peace, and mercy 
will soon be found in every hamlet, town, and city of our land. 

The same spirit that prompts us in the good work incited the 
brave men of the Revolution, and of the recent internecine 
struggle, to offer up their lives as willing sacrifices that the Re- 
public might live, and the tens of thousands of little mounds, all 
through the sunny South, mark the resting-places of those heroes 
who voluntarily gave their precious lives that our glorious heri- 
tage of freedom might not perish. 

The mother, through the silent watches of the night, plies the 
needle to earn a scanty subsistence for her little ones, and freely 
gives her very life-blood that they may have bread and raiment. 
These golden links of affection, that bind us to home, govern- 
ment, family, and friends, are typical of those influences that 
unite us as members of the Pythian fraternity. 

At the opening of this centennial year, when so many organi- 
zations are rallying their hosts to achieve success, and to accom- 
plish results that shall become historical in the future, the skies 
above us are radiant with the signs of Hope, and inspire us with 
a zeal and courage that shall overcome all obstacles. 

To place our Order on a firm foundation will require an ex- 
penditure of time and money commensurate with the grandeur 
of the work sought to be accomplished. 

It strikes me, therefore, that it would be unwise to diminish 
the income of the Grand Lodge by modifying either the per 
centum on the semi-annual receipts or the per capita tax. 

FINANCIAL. 

You will find full and detailed accounts of our financial status, 
by referring to the reports of the Grand Keeper of Records and 
Seal, and Grand Master of Exchequer. 



382 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Hon. S. S. Davis, Supreme Chancellor of the World, Knights 
of Pythias, paid us an official visit on the 30th day of October, 

i875- 

I would respectfully suggest an increase of our standing com- 
mittees, and that the titles thereof be hereafter as follows, to wit : 
Per Diem and Mileage, Appeals and Grievances, Correspondence, 
State of the Order, Laws and Supervision, Printing and Supplies, 
Returns and Credentials, Finance, Charters and By-Laws, Con- 
stitutional Amendments. 

There is one other subject very near to my heart — that of 
providing the members of each Subordinate Lodge with suitable 
reading matter, in the form of books written by our best authors, 
and the leading magazines of the country, and to promote this 
laudable object, would it not be eminently proper to set aside 
ten per cent, of the gross annual receipts? 

The following suggestion may seem somewhat Utopian, in 
view of our limited numbers in this Grand Jurisdiction, but it 
has occurred to me, that it would be well to organize a " Bureau 
of Relief," under the control of the Right Worthy Grand Lodge 
of Iowa, for the proper care and education of orphans, and 
the relief of disabled Knights and families, and to aid worthy 
Knights, seeking homes in our midst, to obtain remunerative 
employment. 

Having thus feebly performed the last duty of this station, I 
submit the records of my official acts to your custody, inspection, 
and criticism, asking you to consider the same in the spirit of 
one of our cardinal virtues — Charity. It is human to err, but 
divine to forgive. 

We are instructed in holy writ to pray in secret, and to give 
alms in secret. The costliest jewels are hid away, deep down in 
mother earth. You will never find the gems of exquisite beauty 
on the surface. The light reflected from the heaven-born princi- 
ples of our Order illumine the pathway of every true Knight. 
Let us again resolve to act well our parts in the great drama of 
human life, so that we may meet in that Grand Castle Hall 
above, where, clad in the regalia of heaven, we may listen to the 
sweetest notes of orphans and widows redeemed, as they chant 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 383 

around their heavenly Father's throne their tribute to our noble 
Order : 

"It saved us from destitution, it saved us from oppression, it 
saved us from years of wasting sorrow, it saved us from prema- 
ture graves ; make it immortal for its deeds of love. 

"To live in deeds, not years; in thoughts, not breaths; in 
feelings, not in figures on a dial ; that we will count time by heart- 
throbs, knowing he most lives who thinks the most, feels the 
noblest, acts the best." 

And when life's journey is ended, may each one of us join the 
choir invisible of those immortal dead who live again in minds 
made better by their presence ; live in pulses stirred to generosity, 
in deeds of daring rectitude, in scorn for miserable aims that end 
only in self. This is the life to come, which martyred men have 
made more glorious for us who strive to follow. 

With the sincerest hope that the acquaintances so auspiciously 
made with you during the year 1875, mav ripen into true Py- 
thian friendship, and that our session may be pleasant and profit- 
able, I remain Yours fraternally, 

Jno. Van Valkenburg, 

Grand Chancellor. 

February 8, 1876. 



Address at Pythian Banquet, at Saunder's Hall, 
Mount Pleasant, Iowa, Wednesday Evening, Feb- 
ruary 9th, 1876, by Jno. Van Valkenburg, G. C. 

Dear Friends and Brothers: 

Words are not adequate to convey to you our gratitude for and high appre- 
ciation of this grand ovation, and, in behalf of the Representatives of the 
Pythian fraternity here assembled, permit me to return our sincerest thanks 
to the Knights, wives and daughters of this beautiful and prosperous inland 
city, for this princely reception. 

We have great cause to rejoice, as members of one of the greatest charita- 
ble orders on earth, for the evidences which are constantly multiplying 
around us, that our works are approved of Heaven, and that we constitute 
one of the silent, all-pervading influences which tend to lift mankind to a 
higher plane of existence, by restraining the evil tendencies of man's nature, 
and developing the nobler attributes. 



384 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

We imprint on the minds of our membership, through the beautiful and 
impressive lessons of the ritual, in the Castle Halls, that aside from the im- 
perative duty of each one, to love one another, and to practise the precepts 
inculcated by the Saviour, when on earth, that the pleasure of doing good 
and being good, far transcends all mere sensual enjoyment. 

The ennobling virtues of Friendship, Charity and Benevolence are inscribed 
on our banners, and are the cardinal doctrines of the Order. 

Each member is but a constituent element in the great social fabric, and the 
contributions of each make up the aggregate of human enjoyment, the hap- 
piness and comfort of the society being dependent on the kind words and 
deeds of the individual members. 

" Friendship ! mysterious cement of the soul ! 
Sweet'ner of life ! and solder of Society ! " 

" For friendship, of itself, an holy tie, 
Is made more sacred by adversity." 

And if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this 
saying, namely : " Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." — Romans xiii. 9. 

Our Order is based on the principle of men bearing each other's burdens, 
heightening each other's joys, and providing a barrier against the ills and 
misfortunes incident to human life. 

We are bound together by the holiest ties, cemented by common aims and 
fraternal affection, with grips, signs, countersigns, and passwords, as a means 
of recognition, whether on sea or land. 

In our daily lives and walk before men, we strive to illustrate the pure 
principles of love and friendship, so beautifully expressed by Dryden, when 
he wrote the following lines : 

" I had a friend that loved me ; 

I was his soul ; he liv'd not but in me ; 

We were so close within each other's breast, 

The rivets were not found that joined us first. 

That does not reach us yet : We were so mix'd, 

As meeting streams — both to ourselves were lost. 

We were one mass, we could not give or take, 

But from the same ; for he was I ; I, he ; 

Return my better half, and give me all myself, 

For thou art all ! — 

If I have any joy when thou art absent, 

I grudge it to myself; methinks I rob 

Thee of thy part." 

What a world of meaning is involved in the simple expression, my " friend." 
Have you ever paused and reflected over its full and true import? If you 
have, you may be prepared to appreciate the matchless beauty and signifi- 
cance of the historical incident upon which our organization is based : 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 385 

When Damon was sentenced, by Dionysius of Syracuse, to die on a cer- 
tain day, he begged permission, in the interim, to retire to his own country, to 
set the affairs of his disconsolate family in order. 

This Dionysius the Tyrant intended peremptorily to refuse, by granting it, 
as he conceived, on the impossible condition of his procuring some one to 
remain as hostage for his return, under equal forfeiture of life. 

Pythias heard the conditions, and did not wait for an application on the 
part of Damon : he instantly offered himself as security for his friend ; which 
being accepted, Damon was immediately set at liberty. 

The king and all the courtiers were astonished at this action; and, there- 
fore, when the day of execution drew near, his majesty had the curiosity to 
visit Pythias in his confinement. After some conversation on the subject of 
friendship, in which the tyrant delivered it as his opinion, that self-interest 
was the sole mover of the human actions ; as for virtue, friendship, benevo- 
lence, love of one's country, and the like, he looked upon them as terms in- 
vented by the wise to keep in awe and impose upon the weak. 

" My lord," said Pythias, with a firm voice and noble aspect, " I would 
that it were possible that I might suffer a thousand deaths, rather than my 
friend should fail in any article of his honor. He cannot fail therein, my 
lord ; I am as confident of his virtue as I am of my own existence. But I 
pray, I beseech the gods, to preserve the life and integrity of my Damon to- 
gether; oppose him, ye winds, prevent the eagerness and impatience of his 
honorable endeavors, and suffer him not to arrive, till by death I have re- 
deemed a life a thousand times of more consequence, of more value, than my 
own ; more estimable to his lovely wife, to his precious little children, to his 
friends, to his country. Oh, leave me not to die the worst of deaths in my 
Damon." 

Dionysius was awed and confounded by the dignity of these sentiments, 
and by the manner in which they were uttered ; he felt his heart struck by a 
slight sense of invading truth ; but it served rather to perplex than undeceive 
him. The fatal day arrived. Pythias was brought forth, and walked amid 
the guards with a serious, but satisfied air, to the place of execution. Diony- 
sius was already there ; he was exalted on a moving throne, which was drawn 
by six white horses, and sat pensive and attentive to the prisoner. 

Pythias came ; he vaulted lightly on the scaffold, and beholding for some 
time the apparatus of his death, he turned with a placid countenance, and 
addressed the spectators: "My prayers are heard;" he cried, " the winds 
are propitious ; you know, my friends, that the winds have been contrary till 
yesterday. Damon could not come, he could not conquer impossibilities; 
he will be here to-morrow, and the blood which is shed to-day shall have 
ransomed the life of my friend. O, could I erase from your bosoms every 
doubt, every mean suspicion of the man for whom I am about to suffer, I 
should go to my death, even as I would to my bridal. Be it sufficient in the 
33 Z 



3§6 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

meantime, that my friend will be found noble; that his truth is unimpeach- 
able ; that he will speedily prove it ; that he is now on his way, hurrying on, 
accusing himself, the adverse elements and the gods; but I haste to prevent 
his speed; executioner, do your office." 

As he pronounced the last words, a buzz began to rise among the remotest 
of the people; a distant voice was heard, the crowd caught the words, and 
" Stop, stop the execution!" was repeated by the whole assembly; a man 
came at full speed; the throng gave way to his approach; he was mounted 
on a steed of foam ; in an instant he was off his horse, on the scaffold, and 
clasped Pythias in his arms. 

" You are safe," he cried, " you are safe, my friend, my beloved friend ; 
the gods be praised, you are safe. I have now nothing but death to suffer, 
and am delivered from the anguish of those reproaches which I gave myself 
for having endangered a life so much dearer than my own." 

Pale, cold, and half speechless in the arms of his Damon, Pythias replied 
in broken accents : 

" Fatal haste ! Cruel impatience ! What envious powers have wrought 
impossibilities in your favor ! But I will not be wholly disappointed. Since 
I cannot die to save, I will not survive you." 

Dionysius heard, beheld, and considered, all with astonishment. His heart 
was touched, he wept, and leaving his throne, he ascended the scaffold. 

" Live, live, ye incomparable pair ! " cried he ; " ye have borne unquestion- 
able testimony to the existence of virtue; and that virtue equally evinces the 
existence of a God to reward it. Live happily and with renown ; and, oh ! 
form me by your precepts, as ye have invited me by your example, to be 
worthy of the participation of so sacred a friendship." 

" There a thousand nameless ties, 

Which only such as feel them know; 
Of kindred thoughts, deep sympathies, 

An untold fancy spells, which thou 
O'er ardent minds and faithful hearts, 

A chain whose charmed links so blend, 
That the light circlet but imparts 

Its force in these fond words, my friend." 

With friendship as the corner-stone of the Pythian Temple, how can the 
Order fail to achieve success in the future ? 

The Knightly daring and sublime heroism of Samuel Holder Hines, in 
attempting the rescue of his friend at the burning of the Spotswood Hotel, in 
Richmond, Virginia, December 25th, 1 870, stamps his name with immortal- 
ity, and is a grand exemplification of the Pythian doctrines. 

" If a man loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love 
God whom he hath not seen ? " 

The friendship that prompted the Knights of Tennessee to provide every 
means of relief which human ingenuity could devise for their brothers in the 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 387 

Bluff City, in 1873, when stricken by that terrible loathsome disease, yellow- 
fever, challenges the admiration of the world. Every luxury, every pallia- 
tive, every remedial agent that money could purchase, were provided, and 
the members were like so many guardian angels, watching at the bedside of 
the sick and dying, through the silent hours of the night, bathing the aching 
head, and calming the fears, and in smoothing the pillow, and making pro- 
vision for the wants of their families. 

The general who wins a battle at the sacrifice of thousands of his fellow- 
men, is crowned with garlands, and the wreath of fame encircles his brow, 
and a grateful people are lavish in their plaudits of " well done, thou good 
and faithful servant," and ofttimes promote him to the highest civil honors. 

What words of eulogy will then suffice to paint our admiration of those 
gallant Knights who risked their lives in their work of love and mercy for 
their stricken brethren. If they had fallen in this grand work, where duty 
called them, their rewards could have been no greater than the conscious- 
ness of having done their duty — in obedience to the mandates of our be- 
loved Order. 

In all ages and in all climes, men of every race, tribe, and tongue have 
banded themselves together for mutual protection, aid, and safety. This asso- 
ciational principle has been practised upon in the erection of the family altar, 
in the establishment of the State, and in the organization of national govern- 
ments. As the unit is the basis of mathematics, so the family is the initial 
point and basis of all governmental affairs, and the fountain from which 
flows all the blessings of Church and State. This centripetal force is the off- 
spring of our social natures, and by its magnetic power draws men into the 
family, the tribe, the state, the nation, the church, and the lodge. By these 
intimate unions in families, churches, lodges, and in governmental matters, 
men acknowledge their dependence upon each other, and the happiness of 
the individual is created by the twofold influence of doing good and receiv- 
ing favors. 

Man was created for society, and can have no genuine pleasure without 
being surrounded by family and friends. From the cradle to the grave, and 
every step of his probationary existence, his utter helplessness appears, and 
his entire dependence on others is apparent. This applies to the gratification 
of his temporal wants, as well as to the cravings and desires of his social 
nature. 

You might as well expect that the air of the Arctic regions would be 
freighted with the fragrance of tropical fruits and flowers, and that you would 
be regaled with the sweet songs of birds amongst the icebergs of that deso- 
late land, or that your heart would be gladdened with the delicate tints and 
hues of the daisy, violet and rose in mid-winter, as to hope to enjoy life with- 
out the society and sympathy of friends. " Trifles light as air make up the 
sum of human life." 



3§8 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

As diversified industry is the secret of a nation's wealth, so the opportuni- 
ties offered by the ever varying conditions of human life, to relieve each 
other's wants, is the secret of individual happiness. 

" 0, you gods, think I, what need we have any friends, if we should never 
have need of them ? They are the most needless creatures living, should we 
ne'er have use for them; and would most resemble sweet instruments hung 
up in cases, that keep their sounds to themselves. Why, I have often wished 
myself poor, that I might come nearer to you. We are born to do benefits, 
and what better or more proper can we call our own than the riches of our 
friends? Oh, what a precious comfort 't is to have so many like brothers, 
commanding one another's fortunes." 

How exquisite is the pleasure which flows from the discharge of these 
kindly offices, which our laws enjoin. 

" How far that little candle throws its beams ! 
So shines a good deed in a naughty world." 

The second link in our mystic trinity is meek-eyed Charity. It is esteemed 
the brightest jewel of all the Christian graces. 



Pope says : 



" He hath an ear for pity, and a hand 
Open as day for melting Charity." 

For forms of government, let fools contest ; 

Whate'er is best administer'd is best; 

For words of faith, let graceless zealots fight: 

His can't be wrong whose life is in the right ; 

In faith and hope the world will disagree, 

But all mankind's concern is Charity; 

All must be false, that thwarts this one great end; 

And all of God, that bless mankind, or mend." 

All our teachings and practices tend toward this central idea, as the rivers 
run to the sea. No man can be a true Knight unless he swears fealty to the 
following code of morals, to wit : 

" To protect the Principles of Knighthood unto death, which are to 
protect the weak, defend the right, alleviate the sufferings of a brother, bury 
the dead, care for the widow, and educate the orphan ; to practise those en- 
nobling virtues, Friendship, Charity, and Benevolence ; to exercise charity 
toward offenders ; to construe words and deeds in the least unfavorable light ; 
granting honesty of purpose and good intentions to others, and throwing the 
mantle of charity over the unfortunate or misguided people that are to be 
found in every community ; to stop the circulation of slanders, and rebuke the 
slanderers; to defend even the most bitter enemy when unjustly assailed — 
is to assist in the realization of the hopes of the Knights of Pythias — 
'Peace on Earth, and good-will toward men.'" 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 389 

But there is " Charity," the practical and real exercise of love in the heart 
for all mankind, considering our fellow-beings as with ourselves, the images 
of the Almighty. Sympathy in the heart for a suffering fellow-being is 
u Charity." It blesseth him that receives, and he that gives. We can have 
Charity without gifts of gold. Charity pervades heaven with its halo ema- 
nating from the throne of God. Ours is a semi-military Order. Many cen- 
turies ago, the sons of the nobility were all bred to arms. 

When seven years old, the boy was publicly set apart with some distin- 
guished friend of his father's family, and was by him instructed in what was 
then known of letters and courtesy. When this period was again passed, the 
boy was again publicly set apart with the same patron as an Esquire, and 
was then made efficient in military science, by seven years' tuition, accom- 
panying his patron on all public occasions, at peace or war. 

Then on a day designated for the purpose, his bravery and courage were 
severely tested. If he passed the ordeal, it was made known to the chief 
officer of the Knighthood with which he intended to connect himself. 

He passed the night in the chapel in meditation and prayer ; and on the 
following day on bended knees, at an appointed hour, in the presence of the 
Knighthood with which he desired to connect himself, he received his spurs, 
his gauntlets and his sword from his lady patron. He was then taken by 
the right hand and bade to rise, and never more bend the knee to mortal 
man; but to go forth into the world on his mission of devotion and gal- 
lantry to humanity. 

I appeal to you, chivalric Knights ! to illustrate in your daily lives the 
grand trio of principles embodied in our code of laws. Let each one of you 
strive to demonstrate to your fellow-citizens that 

" Amid all life's quests 
There seems but worthy one — to do men good." 

That 

" The drying up a single tear has more 

Of honest fame, than shedding seas of gore." 

You will then prove important coadjutors in ushering in the golden era. 
Virgil, borrowing from the mysteries, sings of this age in a strain of sublime 
and lofty eloquence : 

" The last era of Cumgean Song is now arrived. 

The great series of ages begins anew. 

Now, too, returns the Virgin Astrsea — returns the reign of Saturn. 

The serpent's sting shall die, and poison's fallacious plant shall die, and 
the Assyrian spikenard grow on every soil ; and blushing grapes shall hang 
on brambles rude, and dewy honey from hard oaks distil; and fruits and 
flowers shall spring up everywhere without man's care or toil. 

The sacred Destinies, harmonious in the established order of the Fates, 
will sing to their spindles, as they spin the mysterious threads of life." 
33* 



390 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

That golden day is yet in the distant future, though earnest hearts are pray- 
ing for it, and our great Pythian Fraternity, with myriads of co-workers, are 
toiling for it. Every true and earnest Knight, that kneels at the altar con- 
secrated to genuine friendship, hastens its dawning. 

" When this festal day comes, then will our children's children be no more. 
We stand now in the evening, and see, at the close of our dark day, the 
sun go down with a red-hot glory, and promise, behind the last cloud, the 
still, serene Sabbath-day of humanity ; but our posterity have yet to travel 
through a night full of wind, and through a cloud full of poison, till at last, 
over a happier earth, an eternal morning wind, full of blossom-spirits, moving 
on before the sun, expelling all clouds, shall breathe on men without a sigh." 

Jean Paul, Hesperus, Vol. I, 479. 

" Happy eyes, that shall see this morning ! 
Happy hearts, that shall feel its rapture ! 
The sight and rapture are not for us, 
We are born to the toil and struggle." 



Grand Jurisdiction of Kansas. 

BY EDWARD L. BARTLETT, P. G. C. AND S. R. 

THE history of the Order in Kansas, like that of the State 
itself, was, for the first two years of its existence, stormy in 
the extreme, and at one time threatened to leave that juris- 
diction without a Grand Lodge. 

On the 1st day of April, 1872, Myrtle Lodge, No. 1, was 
established at Lawrence, with a large membership, by C. D. 
Lucas, Grand Chancellor of Missouri, who was acting under the 
direction of the then Supreme Chancellor, Samuel Read. 

Grand Chancellor Lucas established Fellowship Lodge, No. 2, 
at Wyandotte, on April 4, 1872, acting under the same authority. 
This fact coming to the knowledge of H. C. Berry soon after he 
was installed as Supreme Chancellor of the World, he denounced 
the action of Grand Chancellor Lucas as irregular, void, illegal, 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 39 1 

and the Lodges as clandestine and irregular. From this circum- 
stance voluminous correspondence arose, and lengthy debates 
were had in the Supreme Lodge, resulting finally in the recogni- 
tion of the said Lodges by the highest legislative body in the 
Order, and a complete vindication of Bro. Lucas from any inten- 
tional violation of law. 

In September, 1872, there being five Lodges in the State, a 
Grand Lodge was formed at Lawrence, by Supreme Chancellor 
Berry, and the following officers installed, to wit : 

Venerable Grand Patriarch — J. C. Welch, No. 2. 
Grand Chancellor — H. J. Canniff, No. 1. 
Grand Vice Chancellor — W. A. Offenbacher, No. 4. 
Grand Master of Exchequer — G. G. Lour, No. 5. 
Grand Keeper of Records 6° Seal — J. A. Bliss, No. 1. 
Grand Master-at-Arms — M. C. Dunn, No. 2. 
Grand Inner Guard — W. C. Elder, No. 4. 
Grand Outer Guard — J. Weiss, No. 1. 

Lodges Nos. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 were instituted in rapid 
succession, when -the panic of 1873 P ut a st0 P to active work in 
the Order. The grasshopper pest of 1874 also was very detri- 
mental to the growth and prosperity of the Order, as well as to 
all branches of industry and commerce. 

In the meantime, an unfortunate difference had arisen between 
G. C. Canniff and Wyandotte Lodge, No. 1. The Grand Chan- 
cellor was a member of this Lodge, and this trouble caused a 
revocation of their charter, and to this day Pythian Knighthood 
is not represented in the beautiful city of Lawrence, where its 
banners were first unfurled in the commonwealth of Kansas. 

Lodge No. 3, at Leavenworth, surrendered its charter in No- 
vember, 1873, an d in the fall of 1874, Lodge No. 7, at Atchison, 
lost all her valuable regalia and paraphernalia by the destructive 
fire that devastated that city, from the effects of which the Lodge 
has not yet recovered, although the prospects are bright for a 
resumption of active work in the near future. Lodges Nos. 12, 
13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18 have been instituted since, and have 



392 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

large and enthusiastic memberships. We have fifteen active 
working Lodges, with an aggregate membership of 428. Others 
are being worked up, and by April, 1877, the prospect is that at 
least five new Lodges will be added to the roster of Kansas. 

At the April session, 1876, of the Grand Lodge, a funeral aid 
and insurance company was organized, and placed under the con- 
trol of the Grand Lodge officers, and thus far it meets with great 
favor, its main features being the same as those of the Odd-Fel- 
low and Masonic Orders. This jurisdiction has been very for- 
tunate in its list of deaths. We have lost but one Grand Lodge 
officer, Bro. G. G. Lour, the first G. V. C.,of No. 5, and only 
four members of Subordinate Lodges. 

There are four Lodges in the city of Leavenworth, all working 
the amplified third, and entirely without the book. The am- 
plified is generally adopted, and rituals are scarcely to be found 
in any of the Lodge rooms. The members are nearly all uni- 
formed, and those who are not, will speedily procure uni- 
forms. 

At the above session of the Grand Lodge, F. H. Betton, 
of Pomeroy, Past Grand Master of Odd -Fellows, was elected 
Grand Chancellor, and G. J. Newbert, G. K. of R. & Seal. 
These two zealous and active brothers, with most efficient aid 
from the other Grand Lodge officers, in connection with the 
plentiful crops and generally improved feeling in business cir- 
cles, will make the present a glorious year for our Order in 
Kansas, and we trust prove the appropriateness of our motto, "Ad 

ASTRA PER ASPERA. ' ' 

LIABILITIES. 

One Year Bonds Outstanding $ 40 °° 

Five Year Bonds, payable in 1880 350 00 

Certificates of Indebtedness, payable in 1880 24 60 

Lane & Co., Wyandotte, printing 105 00 

Mileage and Per Diem, balance due, 139 80 

John Trump » 29 50 

Total $688 90 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 393 

RESOURCES. 

Balances due from Lodges $ 75 75 

E. L. Bartlett 8 00 

Supplies on hand as per inventory 163 90 

Funeral Aid Association (money advanced) 50 00 

Cash in hands of Grand Master of Exchequer. . 40 41 — $338 06 
Liabilities over Resources 350 84 

Total $688 90 

CONDITION OF LODGES. 

Number of Lodges per last Report n 

Instituted during the year 4 

Present number of Lodges 15 

Membership per last Report 344 

Initiated during the year 174 

Admitted by Card during the year 9 

Reinstated during the year 8 

Withdrawn by Card during the year 11 

Suspended during the year 80 

Deceased during the year 4 

Rejected during the year 10 

Present membership 428 

Cash on hand $ I >593 ° 2 

Cash received during the year 3> 2 43 9* 

Paid for Relief and Burying the Dead 391 55 

Current Expenses 2,405 32 

Per Capita Tax and Assessments 682 70 

Total Expenditures during the year 3>479 57 

Widows' and Orphans' Fund 170 00 

Cash on hand 985 00 

Investments 318 85 

Total Resources 4*383 27 



394 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Grand Jurisdiction of Louisiana. 

THE Order was instituted in this State by Alfred Shaw, D. 
G. C, in February, 1868. The Order rapidly advanced 
until 1872, when it met with a severe check. Prior to that 
time, many persons were initiated who were the cause of bring- 
ing the Order into bad repute among the community, and in- 
stead of the Order taking the position it should, the reverse was 
the case, and brought the membership to a corporal's guard in 
1876 ; but, happily, the Order has been revived on a better prin- 
ciple, and prosperity is before her. 

In 1 87 1, nine Lodges being in working order, the Grand 
Lodge was instituted by Supreme Chancellor Read, assisted by 
his Deputy G. C. Henry M. Small, and Past D. G. C. Wm. E. 
Fitzgerald, after which four more Lodges were instituted. After 
a couple of years had passed, the Lodges commenced going 
down, and the Grand Lodge went out of existence in 1875, anc ^ 
the appointment of Henry M. Small as D. S. C. After a short 
time the Lodges in existence (four) ceased working, owing to the 
extreme hard times with the members financially ; so matters 
stood dormant as it were until the arrival, during the month of 
April, 1876, of the Supreme Chancellor S. S. Davis, who, being 
thoroughly informed as to the position of the Order, by and with 
the consent of the members who still took an interest in the 
Order, did on April, 8, 1876, formally revoke the charters of all 
Lodges. And on the same evening he had the gratification of 
instituting Orleans Lodge, No. 1, with a membership of thirteen 
Knights; and on the 10th of April, 1876, he exemplified the un- 
written work of the Order, three more of the old members being 
admitted, and instructions given to the Lodge which will keep 
her from falling in the old rut, and starting her in the right path to 
future greatness, and making the Order of " Knights of Pythias " 
what it should be in fact, " founded on naught but the purest 
and sincerest motives, its aim being to alleviate the suffering of 
a brother, succor the unfortunate, jealously watch at the bedside 
of the sick, soothe the dying pillow, perform the last sad rites 
at the grave of a brother, offering consolation to the afflicted 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 395 

and caring for the widow and orphan." The late D. S. C. was, 
by election of Orleans Lodge, No. i, recommissioned by the 
Supreme Chancellor. 

It is but proper at this time to state that the visit of S. S. 
Davis will be productive of much good ; and that he is a gentle- 
man of the first water, and a noble brother, is the verdict of all 
who came in contact with him. He has left the jurisdiction for 
California, with a prayer for his safe return home, and that "his 
shadow may never grow less." 



Grand Jurisdiction of Maryland. 

THE Order of K. of P. was instituted in the State of Mary- 
land, by the formation of two Lodges in the city of Balti- 
more, on the 29th day of November, 1867, both being 
instituted on the same evening, and each numbering twelve 
members, viz. : Golden Lodge, No. 1, and Monumental Lodge, 
No. 2. They received their charters from the Grand Lodge of 
the District of Columbia, and the ceremonies of institution were 
performed by the Grand Officers of District of Columbia. 

Baltimore City Lodge, No. 3, and De Haven Lodge (after- 
wards changed to Gratitude, No. 4), were formed shortly after 
the organization of Nos. 1 and 2. Application was then made to 
form the Grand Lodge of Maryland, and on the 1 7th of March, 
1868, that body was duly instituted by Grand Chancellor W. 
P. Vv'estwood, of the District of Columbia, and the following 
officers were installed : 

Grand Chancellor — James Campbell. 

Vice Grand Chancellor — Charles F. Abbott. 

Ve?ierable Patriarch — O. C. Weiglas. 

Grand Recording Scribe — F. Turner. 

Grand Ba?iker — N. K. Bowen. 

Grand Guide — Charles E. Lowe. 

Grand Inner Steward — W. P. Espey. 

The appointed Grand Outer Steward, J. H. Oren, being absent. 



396 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

On April 14, Damon Lodge, No. 5, was instituted, followed 
soon after by Good Intent, No. 6, April 22. Excelsior, No. 7, 
was formed June 2, 1868. The Order in Maryland then made 
its first movement outside the city of Baltimore, by the forma- 
tion of Friendship Lodge, No. 8, at Annapolis, Md. On June 
16, 1868, a special session of the Grand Lodge was held for the 
purpose of electing three Representatives to the Supreme Lodge, 
which resulted in the election of the following : P. C. John Burns, 
of No. 1 ; Wm. Baxter, of No. 2, and John A. Thompson, of 
No. 3. On October 29, 1868, the Grand Lodge was deprived 
by death of its first Grand Chancellor, James Campbell, whose 
loss was deeply deplored as a faithful and efficient officer, and 
which was a sad bereavement to the Order at this early stage of 
its existence. The Order rapidly increased in the State of Ma- 
ryland, and at the end of the year 1868, numbered 26 Lodges, 
viz.: Golden, No. 1; Monumental, No. 2; Baltimore City, No. 
3 ; De Haven, No. 4 ; Damon, No. 5 ; Good Intent, No. 6 ; 
Excelsior, No. 7 ; Friendship, No. 8 ; Carroll, No. 9 ; Maryland, 
No. 10; Eureka, No. 11; Reliance, No. 12; George Washing- 
ton, No. 13; Germania (the first German Lodge), No. 14; 
Howard, No. 15 ; Knickerbocker (afterwards Arlington), No. 
16; Stoddard, No. 17; Oriental, No. 18; Mystic, No. 19; Franklin, 
No. 20 ; Chosen Friends, No. 21 ; Pythagorean, No. 22 ; Rescue, 
No. 23; Concordia, No. 24; Commercial, No. 26. Howard 
and Commercial Lodges had, however, but a short existence, both 
surrendering their charters, and Mount Vernon Lodge afterwards 
took the No. 15. The membership had increased from 24 to 
1623 in the short space of thirteen months. There had been 
expended for relief $196.00, while the receipts amounted to 
$10,790.49; the small amount expended for relief was owing 
to the fact that but very few of the members had been in the 
Order long enough to become beneficial. At the end of the year 
1869, there were 47 Lodges and 4868 members. Receipts for 
the year, $42,278.96; expended for relief, $2,630.58. At the 
end of the year 1870, there were 62 Lodges, but the membership 
had decreased, owing to the O. B. N. troubles, to 3871. The 
receipts were $15,279.72; expended, $12,378.10. During 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT- BO OK. 397 

the year 1870, the continued efforts of the Supreme Chancellor, 
Samuel Read, to enforce the O. B. N. passed by the Supreme 
Lodge in regard to the Order of S. P. K., and the equally deter- 
mined resistance of the majority of the Lodges in Maryland to 
that measure, proved very detrimental to the Order in this State 
in point of additions to membership, and it was not until the 
modification of the O. B. N. by the Supreme Lodge, at the ses- 
sion of 1 87 1, that the Order again began to prosper. There had 
been in existence two Grand Lodges, each claiming to be the 
rightful authority in the State, and the Lodges were divided in 
their allegiance, the larger number adhering to the "old Grand 
Lodge," as the body declared suspended by the Supreme Chan- 
cellor was termed. All differences were, however, healed at the 
July session, by the admission of the Representatives of the 
Lodges opposed to the O. B. N., and the Order began to slowly 
reinstate itself, after the reorganization of the Grand Lodge, and 
under the new administration, consisting of G. C. W. P. Quig- 
ler, V. G. C. I. Maddux, and G. R. and C. S. James White- 
house, elected January, 1872, continued to flourish, and at the 
close of the year 1872 numbered 81 Lodges and 6441 members. 
The annual session of the Supreme Lodge was held in the city 
of Baltimore, April 16, 17, 18, 19, 1872, and the first parade of 
the Order in uniform took place ; the Baltimore Knights parading 
between 600 and 700 uniformed members. 



Grand Jurisdiction of Michigan. 

BY HON. JAS. MITCHELL, G. K. OF R. AND SEAL. 

OLYMPIC Lodge, No. 1, Knights of Pythias, was instituted 
by P. G. C. Riley, of Chicago, 111., acting as D. S. C, 
with W. S. Wood, as P. C, and Ben. Vornor as C. C, in 
the city of Detroit, on March 14, 187 1. Past Chancellor Wood 
is still a member of No. 1, and is the oldest P. C. in Michigan. 
About May, 1872, this Lodge ceased working, through a 
lack of attention on the part of the members ; but on August 15, 
34 



39$ THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

1872, Supreme Chancellor Berry came to Detroit, and reorgan- 
ized Olympic Lodge, with a membership of fifteen. 

Eureka Lodge, No. 2, at Grand Rapids; Damon, No. 3 
Myrtle, No. 4, and Peninsular, No. 5, all of Detroit, soon fol- 
lowed, and on the 19th day of February, 1873, Supreme Chan- 
cellor Berry, aided by P. G, C. John J. Healy and P. C. John 
H. Haynie, were summoned to institute the Grand Lodge of 
this State, at Detroit, with the following Grand Officers, to wit : 

Venerable Grand Patriarch — Alexander Gardner, Jr., No. 3. 

Grand Chancellor — William J. Long, No. 2. 

Vice Grand Chancellor — J. J. Mulheron, No. 5. 

Grand R. and C. Scribe — Charles Bradley Benedict, No. 2. 

Grand Banker — E. J. Pierce, No. 4. 

Grand Guide — James Esdale, No. 1. 

Grand In?ier Steward — George J. McCurley, No. 1. 

Grand Outer Steward — John M. Buzzo, No. 5. 

Since that time the Order has gradually gained ground, and 
is no longer of doubtful stability. At this date Muskegon Lodge, 
No. 32, heads the list, and of the entire number of Lodges but 
few are not working. We had one thousand members on Janu- 
ary 1st, 1876. 

Receipts for the year 1875 ■ ^8565 35 

Disbursements " " 6205 58 

Paid out for relief 202 00 

The present Grand Officers are : 

Grand Chancellor — Hon. C. D. Little, Saginaw. 

Grand Vice Chancellor — D. K. Hurlburt, Grand Rapids. 

Grand Prelate — W. H. Lyons, Flint. 

Grand Master of Exchequer — C. A. Mack, Detroit. 

Grand Keeper of Records and Seal — James Mitchell, Detroit. 

Am heartily in favor of a Side Degree for the wives and 
daughters of Knights in good standing. Our principles will 
bear repeating to our families, and a beautiful "Side" Rank, 
founded on the "old, old" story, will do much to interest the 
ladies in the Order, and show to the outer world that we are 
what we claim to be, "an Order of Knighthood." All hail, 
" Calanthe Rank ! " 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 399 

Extract from Report of Hon. W. J. Long, Grand Chan- 
cellor of Michigan. 

Chancellors : Another term, with its silent changes and start- 
ling events, its gilded hopes and gloomy fears, its mercies and 
chastisements, expectations and disappointments, for weal and 
for woe, has passed away, and we are once more permitted to 
meet in annual convention. 

Gratitude for life and health, with their attendant blessings, 
should pervade our hearts, and prepare us to enjoy and properly 
improve our annual meeting here as brethren, having at heart one 
common object, engaged in one common cause. Here, retired 
and elevated above the bustling activities, the cares and anxieties 
of every-day life, in this magnificent Temple, dedicated to Friend- 
ship, Charity, and Universal Benevolence, consecrated by the 
teachings of brotherly love, affection and relief, with their kin- 
dred virtues, we ought, by friendly greetings, mutual interchange 
of fraternal feelings, and, above all, by a hearty, unselfish, and 
harmonious action upon the subjects brought before us connected 
with the welfare and prosperity of our noble Order, make this a 
reunion long to be remembered — a green and pleasant spot upon 
the map of 'our Knightly pilgrimage. From the pursuits of busi- 
ness and of pleasure we have for a few hours turned aside, to 
grasp the hand of fellowship and mingle in social converse ; to 
renew the ties of fraternal love, and within our castle hall take 
counsel together to promote the interests of our Order. 

It is well, my brethren, thus occasionally to withdraw from the 
engrossing pursuits of life, and divert the train of thought into 
more pleasurable channels. 

From these reunions we doubtless derive fresh strength and 
zeal, and go forth with burnished armors in our noble mission of 
pure charity and beneficence. 

Here we should blend our fervent desires for the general dis- 
semination of the pure and elevating principles which character- 
ize our noble institution, and gratefully acknowledge the peace 
and prosperity which has attended us. 

Seated in our quiet sanctuary — the emblems of our Order dis- 
played around us — none teach a more impressive lesson than the 



400 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

naked skull and cross-bones, in close contiguity with the Holy 
Bible — mortality and divinity. In the midst of life we are in 
death. And yet no truth is less heeded than this until the grim 
messenger makes his alarm at our door, waiting not for the guard's 
announcement, enters our castle hall in search of his victim. 
Then, indeed, is he the King of Terrors, and we instinctively 
pray if it is possible the cup may pass from us. 

The framers of our ritual were therefore wise in bringing our 
mortality prominently before us in intimate connection with the 
word and way of life, so that the lamp of faith might be ever 
kept burning, increasing in light even as we approach the dark 
river — that from its darkness and gloom in the storm-night of 
the soul, which is to close the drama of life — with us — we may 
hear above the roar of Jordan the Master's voice : " It is I ; be 
not afraid." Cheerful assurance. If we rightly improve the days 
— though our weak and frail bodies must, erelong, lie down in 
the tomb, their last resting-place — our disembodied spirits 
soar aloft, like an eagle unfettered, to the cloudless regions of 
life and light eternal. 

During the past six months death has entered our home, and 
stricken from the roll of existence two of our worthy brothers, 
P. C. E. H. Vogel and Brother Knight Wilmot. 

None escape the sweeping scythe of time and death. It takes 
manhood in its ripeness, youth in its prime, childhood in its in- 
nocence, and infancy in its tender bud. Called by a summons 
which none can evade, they have gone to rest. 

And while the widow's tears we dry, 

Or raise a brother from despair, 
Or hush the homeless orphan's cry, 

May love's expanding care 
Embrace humanity. 

GROWTH OF THE ORDER. 

During the past six months the Order in this jurisdiction has 
almost doubled its membership, although we have added but 
three new Lodges. Several applications have been made for new 
Lodges, and we undoubtedly would have had twenty-five Lodges 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 40I 

in this jurisdiction the first of January, 1874, had it not been for 
the present financial troubles pervading every branch of trade 
and business. Several of the applications made to establish new- 
Lodges were withdrawn on account of money matters, but with 
the promise that as soon, or at the earliest possible moment, they 
will embrace the opportunity of organizing a Lodge. 

Notwithstanding but few Lodges have been established since 
the semi-annual session in July, the Order is growing healthful 
and permanent, as will be seen by the report of the G. R. and C. 
S. We have every reason to be proud of our record. There is 
no jurisdiction that can produce better material than that of 
which our Lodges throughout the jurisdiction is composed, and 
all evidence, by the interest they manifest in the Order, that this 
jurisdiction, this little State of Michigan, will be second to none, 
and as one of the brightest stars in the crown of Pythian Knight- 
hood. May God speed us in the good cause of Friendship, 
Charity, and Benevolence. 

Chancellors : I should do injustice to the feelings of a grate- 
ful heart, should I close this address without an expression of 
my warmest thanks for the uniform kindness and respect which 
I have received from every officer and member of this Grand 
Lodge, as well as from every brother Knight throughout the juris- 
diction with whom the duties of my office have brought me into 
communication. 

I shall cherish the remembrance of your courtesy and friend- 
ship through life, and shall strive to cement the friendship which 
it has been my happiness to form with you, by a firm adherence 
to the great principles of our Order, and their knightly virtues. 
Less than one year ago you were pleased to call me to the chair 
of Grand Chancellor by a unanimous vote, during which time I 
have endeavored to discharge the duties of the office to the best 
of my ability, hoping and trusting I have given no offence to any 
one. I may have committed many errors — it is human to err, to 
forgive is divine — if such is the case, they have been errors of the 
head, and not of the heart ; and without any hesitation whatever, 
I am free to confess that my affection for the Order has been 
strengthened by a more thorough knowledge of its principles, 
34* 2A 



402 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

and a better appreciation of its spirit than I had heretofore at- 
tained. With earnest prayers for its prosperity, and happiness 
here and hereafter of all its members, I commend you all to the 
care and protection of an overruling Providence. 



Grand Jurisdiction of Minnesota. 

THE Order was introduced in the spring of 1870 into the 
North Star State by Brother Knight Jacob H. Heisser, who 
had been initiated in Marion Lodge, No. 1, Indianapolis, 
Ind. Removing shortly afterwards to Minneapolis, Minn., he 
became acquainted with Knight David Royal, of Lafayette Lodge, 
Wilmington, Del., and Knight J. N. Nidwood, of Trenton, New 
Jersey. The combined efforts of these enthusiastic members 
soon procured the necessary applicants and paraphernalia re- 
quisite for the new organization. The Supreme Chancellor, Sam- 
uel Read, then travelling in the interest of the Order in Iowa, 
was called upon to institute Minneapolis, No. 1, at Minneapolis, 
the first Lodge in the State. The event came off on the evening 
of the nth of July, 1870. Bro. Heisser was elected P. C, 
Bro. Royal C. C, and H. A. Smith K. R. & S. The Supreme 
Chancellor appointed Bro. Heisser Deputy Grand Chancellor of 
the State. Under his administration the following new Lodges 
were organized : Eureka, No. 2, St. Anthony Falls, Aug. 30, 1870; 
Pioneer, No. 3, St. Paul, Feb. 8, 1871 ; Germania, No. 4, 
Minneapolis; Damon, No. 5, Minneapolis. In Sept., 1871, Bro. 
Heisser removed to his old home, New York city, and Bro. 
J. S. Walker was commissioned Deputy Grand Chancellor. 
During Walker's administration, Scandia Lodge, No. 6, was ini- 
tiated at Minneapolis. On the 2 2d of Nov., 1 871, in the city of 
Minneapolis, the Grand Lodge was organized and the following 
officers elected : 

Grand Venerable Patriarch — Dr. A. E. Ames. 

Grand Chancellor — R. B. Squires. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 403 

Grand Recording 6° Corresponding Scribe — G. Plumley. 

Grand Banker — J. H. Rippe. 

Grand Guide — D. S. Sayler. 

Grand Imier Steward — H. M. Martin. 

Grand Outer Steward — P. J. E. Clementson. 

Supre?ne Representatives — John S. Walker and T. L. Curtis. 

The successive Grand Chancellors of the State have been : 
1871-72, Theodore Welsh, Minneapolis; 1873, E. W. Durant, 
Stillwater; 1874, B. G. Merry, Stillwater; 1875, B - G - Merry, 
Stillwater; 1876, Dr. A. J. Stone, St. Paul. 

Stillwater Lodge, No. 7, Stillwater, Minn., was instituted in 
1872, through the efforts of Bro. R. O. Ricker, of Quindaro 
Lodge, Lawrence, Mass. Minnesota Lodge, No. 8, Anoka, 
Minn., was instituted Dec. 26, 1872, through the personal efforts 
of Supreme Rep. T. L. Curtis. The charter members were : 
M. V. Bean, O. S. Cutter, C. K. Cutter, D. C. Dunkam, A. L. 
Peters, J. H. Cook, W. F. Chase, H. E. Lepper, T. E. Brad- 
bury, W. W. Fitch, N. B. Sheldon. Okada, No. 9, instituted at 
St. Paul, March 29, 1874; Hobah, No. 10, instituted at Le 
Suer, 1874; Schiller, No. 11, instituted at St. Paul, Jan., 1875; 
North Star, No. 12, instituted at Elk River, 1876. 

The Past Grand Chancellors of the State are : Jacob H. Heis- 
ser, Minneapolis; Theodore Welsh, Minneapolis; A. J. Mea- 
cham, Minneapolis; Dr. C. S. H. Blecher, Minneapolis; A. 
J. Meacham, Minneapolis ; Dr. B. G. Merry, Stillwater ; E. W. 
Durant, Stillwater; A. B. Curry, St. Paul. 

The Minn. K. P. Mutual Benefit Association. 
This institution was organized during the month of June, 1876, 
and incorporated June 13, 1876, under the laws of the State. 
Under the stimulus of this new feature the Order is progressing 
in the several towns. There are upwards of a hundred already 
on the books in the city of Minneapolis. The officers of the 
association are as follows : — E. McDermott, President ; Dr. A. 
Ortman, Vice-President ; J. H. Heisser, Secretary; Geo. H. 
Johnson, Treasurer ; Dr. A. A. Ames, Medical Director. 



404 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

LOSSES. 

During the fall of 1874, the Order in Minnesota suffered a 
severe loss by the burning of their Castle Hall. With a deter- 
mined effort a new Hall was secured, and over a thousand dol- 
lars expended to fit the same up in a becoming manner. The 
combined efforts of the four Lodges had the desired effect, and 
the handsomely furnished Pythian Hall they now occupy was 
appropriately dedicated by the Grand Lodge officers to Pythian 
uses a few months after. It is only occupied by the Order, and 
is indeed a home. 

DEATHS. 

The Grand Jurisdiction has during its five years of existence 
lost but seven or eight members. Among these, however, were the 
distinguished and well known P. G. C.'s Dr. A. E. Ames, T. L. 
Curtis, and John S. Walker, all of Minneapolis. They died re- 
gretted by the entire Order, and were buried with its forms and 
ceremonies. 

PARADES. 

Every fall the members have their annual parade, and a goodly 
number always turn out, in the attractive uniform of the Order. 
The jurisdiction is fast uniforming throughout the State. 






Grand Jurisdiction of Mississippi. 



THE Order of Knights of Pythias was first introduced into 
Mississippi by the formation of R. E. Lee Lodge, No. 1. 
at Vicksburg, on the 8th day of February, 1872. Too much 
praise cannot be awarded to Bro. William French, P. G. C, of 
Vicksburg, for his untiring labors in behalf of our beloved Order. 
He is the layer of its foundation in this State. The Order has pro- 
gressed slowly, but surely, since its first advent, and consequently 
is building up of none but solid and substantial material. The 
financial condition of this Grand Jurisdiction is splendid. The 
Grand Lodge of Mississippi was organized at Vicksburg in 1874. 
The proceedings of said Grand Lodge from its organization, in- 
cluding 1876, are now in the hands of the printer for publication. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 405 

The first general parade of the Order in uniform was at 
Natchez, March 29, 1876, in honor of the Grand Lodge. The 
appearance of the Sir Knights was highly complimented by the 
press and the public. The Grand Lodge will meet at Granada, 
Miss., on the fourth Tuesday in March, 1877. This State has 
now seven Lodges, with a membership of about three hundred. 
The future prospects of the Order in Mississippi are indeed en- 
couraging, the entire jurisdiction being in good financial and 
working condition. 

A. C. Allen is the present G. M. of Ex. of the Grand Lodge 
K. of P. of Mississippi, his residence being Natchez, Miss. 
Having joined the Order in 1872, Mr. Allen was delighted with 
its entire workings, and although quite a young man, he at once 
et his energies to work for the advancement and growth, not 
only of his own Lodge, but for the Order throughout Mississippi. 
That the membership appreciated his earnest labors is plainly 
shown. Since 1872 Mr. Allen has filled many positions in his 
Lodge (Natchez Lodge, No. 3, K. of P.), in the following order : 
"I. G.," "K. of R. &S.," "V. C.," "C. C.," "P. C.," 
and at the term ending December, 1874, he was elected to repre- 
sent his Lodge in the Grand Lodge of the State, which was to 
be held in the city of Vicksburg, Miss., on the fourth Tuesday 
of March, 1875. Said Grand Lodge meeting he attended, was 
there elected to the important office of G. M. of Ex., and was 
instrumental in having the Grand Lodge meet at Natchez, Miss., 
the following year, 1876, at which meeting he was re-elected G. 
M. of Ex. 



Grand Jurisdiction of Missouri. 

BY HON. JNO. P. SWYGARD, G. K. OF R. AND S. 

OUR Grand Lodge was organized at St. Louis, on the 4th 
day of July, 1 871, by P. S. C. Read. There are now forty 
Lodges in this jurisdiction, with an aggregate membership 
of about fourteen hundred. The amount of receipts and dis- 



406 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

bursements for charitable purposes since the organization of the 
Grand Lodge to December 31, 1875, was $4301.86. 

I can truthfully say, that our Order is in a more prosperous 
condition to-day than at any period in its past history. 

Am heartily in favor of a degree for the wives and daughters 
of Knights. 

The success which has attended our Order during the year has 
reached far beyond my most sanguine expectations, especially 
when I take into consideration that in the previous year not a 
single Lodge was instituted, and I have no hesitancy in saying 
that had it not been for extreme hard times, and scarcity of 
money — the latter of which is the corner-stone of every business, 
institution, or society — the increase of Lodges would have been 
treble what it has been. No less than ten instances have come 
under my immediate knowledge of localities in this jurisdiction 
where the requisite number of petitioners had been selected for 
new Lodges, but when the probable cost for paraphernalia, books, 
etc., etc., was ascertained, the undertaking was for the time aban- 
doned. But I trust the seed which has been planted will in due 
time bring forth a golden harvest. 

It was my intention to give you at this session a more complete 
and perfect report of the condition of our Order in this jurisdic- 
tion than I have done at any previous session during the three 
and a half years of my incumbency. But owing to an affliction 
which had been laid upon me, and from which I have been suf- 
fering for the last three weeks, almost entirely unfitting me for 
business, during the greater portion of that time, and in fact 
from which I have not as yet quite recovered, as you will see, I 
trust you will bear with me if I have failed to do so. 

The success which has attended our Order during the past 
year, I attribute mainly to your wisdom in legislating at previous 
sessions, and which I trust will be followed up at this session, 
thereby giving our Order renewed strength to battle for the 
cause of Pythian Knighthood, also, by the same wisdom a radical 
change has been wrought (for the better) in the financial condi- 
tion of our Grand Lodge. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 407 

Grand Jurisdiction of Nebraska. 

BY HON. E. E. FRENCH, G. K. OF R. AND S. 

THE Grand Lodge of Nebraska was instituted October 13, 
1869, at Omaha, by Hon. Samuel Read, Supreme Chan- 
cellor. We now have twenty-one Lodges, with an aggre- 
gate membership of about seven hundred. 

Am opposed to the adoption of a side degree for the wives and 
daughters of Knights, but am heartily in favor of higher degrees 
for Knights, believing it to be the only salvation for the Order. 

The year just past has been a trying one for our young State. 
Thousands of our people were, by the destruction of their grow- 
ing crops in 1874, reduced to the verge of starvation, and with- 
out that prompt and liberal assistance so freely rendered by the 
good people of sister States, hundreds would have perished 
during the severe winter following. At the close of your last 
session the prospects for the growth of the Order in Nebraska 
were indeed anything but flattering. People who were without 
money wherewith to procure the necessaries of life, could hardly 
be expected to contribute to the establishment or maintenance 
of secret societies; yet, notwithstanding the embarrassments 
which, at the beginning of the Grand Lodge year, appeared as 
insurmountable obstacles to the spread of the Order in this juris- 
diction, I am gratified to state that our growth has equalled that 
of any year since the organization of the Grand Lodge. While 
the number of new Lodges created is less than during the pre- 
ceding years, the increase in membership is far in excess. 



Grand Jurisdiction of Nevada. 

BY S. H. GODDARD, P. G. C. AND S. R. 

THE Order of Knights of Pythias was introduced into Nevada 
in March, 1873, by the formation of Nevada Lodge, No. 1, 
at Virginia City, with nineteen charter members, including 
five Knights holding withdrawal cards from as many Grand 
Jurisdictions. 



408 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

The care exercised in selecting good men to start with has 
been of great benefit to us ever since. 

Through the energy of live and influential men, new Lodges 
were organized in other towns, and on March 31, 1874, we had six 
subordinate Lodges, and on that day our Grand Lodge was formed. 

Our Lodges, though few in numbers, are financially strong. 
We have done no cheap work here. It costs $40, gold coin, to 
be made a Knight in Nevada. Our dues are $20 per annum, 
and $10 per week as benefits. 

The rise of our Order was not sudden, nor was it by chance. 
Its effect was calculated, and the foundations were firmly laid on 
the bed-rock of prudence, and the structure is united in the 
bonds of harmony and fraternal affection. Our progress has 
been gradual, and our prospects for the future are bright. There 
are no large Lodges, and no weak ones, and no members that 
we desire to lose. Those who were instrumental in planting the 
Order here were first honored with rank, and, suffice it to say, 
they are our most willing workers to-day. 

We now have nine Lodges, and without returns from the last 
one instituted, I can give you the following statistics, to wit : 

Our Grand Lodge meets annually, on second Tuesday in 
August. Number of Lodges, as per last report, 7 ; instituted 
since last report, 2 ; total, 9. 

Membership at date of last report 350 

Initiated 59 

Admitted by card 13 

Reinstated 3 

425 

Number withdrawn 16 

Number suspended 36 

Deceased 3 

55 
Total membership 370 

Expended for relief the past year $ 1 >°73 °8 

Expenditures for ordinary purposes 7*230 00 

Total receipts 11,467 76 



Amount on hand $4> 2 37 6° 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 409 

Degree for Wives and Daughters of Knights. 

I think the time has come for establishing such a " Degree," 
and should not be postponed. We need it in Nevada, at least. 

The continued blessings of the Pythian work are no longer 
doubtful. We have a double guarantee of its lasting and perma- 
nent success in the firm hold its numerous virtues have taken in 
the hearts of men, and their capacity for understanding its prin- 
ciples. We have a just pride in our unequalled growth. It is 
the legitimate outgrowth of the beauty and simplicity of our 
Ritual. Gallantry has ever been a characteristic of Knighthood, 
and to protect and assist those of gentler sex, is the sacred duty 
of every Knight. 

Why not give woman a practical idea of our method of doing 
good ? Why not enlist her heart and hand in the duties we enjoin, 
and which her hands can perform with more natural grace than we 
can ever acquire ? The cardinal principles of our Order are so 
closely allied to her real nature that woman is as much needed 
to complete the work as when created for man's happiness. 
Even then, when man stood alone, the lord of creation, sur- 
rounded by perfection and stamped with the signet of Omnipo- 
tence, he was still incomplete until woman stood before him. 
Then Friendship wove her silken band, and from then until to- 
day, where true woman is, there is Friendship, the purest ray 
that emanates from the throne of God to bless us. 

I claim that our frequent association in the Lodge-room 
creates a disinterested mutual regard for each other, and a sym- 
pathy is kindled for the wants and woes of others. By listening 
to the impressive lessons of our Ritual we become more humane, 
more friendly, and more charitable. These teachings beget a 
greater goodness of heart, and purity of purpose, and induce us 
to make new resolutions for the better. 

If these influences are good, why not extend them to woman ? 
She will exert a refining influence over us, and we will prove 
better brothers, husbands, and fathers, and, as a consequence, 
better citizens. The greatness and glory of our country consists 
in the great number of our enlightened and virtuous homes ; and 
35 



4IO THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

if we cultivate and increase social enjoyment, by more frequent 
association, we not only better ourselves, but all mankind. 

I am a single man, but I well know and fully appreciate the 
elevating influence of woman, and we need more of her presence 
in the Lodge-rooms, to check any coarseness of expression, to 
awaken the finest sense of sympathy and respect between us, and 
to banish all selfishness that may invade our Castle Halls. 



Grand Jurisdiction of Ohio. 

Extract from Grand Chancellor's Report. 

To the Officers and Members of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, 
K. of P. : 

BROTHERS : — Another year has passed since we convened 
in Grand Lodge. A year with its cares and anxieties, its 
hopes and its fears, its joys and its sorrows, its births and 
its deaths, has folded its record and taken its place at the side of 
the centuries. The illimitable past is preparing for the illimita- 
ble future, and the deeds of men, whether they be good or 
whether they be evil, are indelibly chiselled on the tablets of 
time that was, but is not. 

Man's nature and capabilities, his moral and intellectual at- 
tributes, are so boundless in character, and so^infmite in dura- 
tion, that he but faintly appreciates the object of his creation, 
who thinks that it is possible for him to live for himself alone. 
Were he bound up in selfishness as with a garment, and that no 
fellow-man should be affected for either bad or good by having 
livedo his object could, not be attained. So indissolubly has 
God connected each human atom to its fellow, that each par- 
takes, willingly or unwillingly, of the other, and there is no life 
so insignificant as not to play an important part in the great 
human economy. 

Mankind recognizes this truth, and in all ages, and in all climes J 
amidst the highest civilization, and amidst those people whost 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 4II 

intellectual and moral natures are shrouded in darkness, man 
recognizes the demands of his nature, and seeks companionship 
and fellowship with his kind. The sublimest thought and the 
subtlest imaginations have, through all the years, busied them- 
selves in devising modes and ways of impressing their fellows 
with the absolute need of communion ; and, therefore, it is that 
to-day we find existing Orders of Brotherhood, whose origin 
dates back to a period whereof profane history is almost ignorant, 
and of which, were it not for the revealed word of God, we 
would be compelled to depend on the storied secrets of one most 
ancient Order, to learn of the days when Judea was the glory of 
the earth and Solomon was the embodiment of human wisdom. 
Man has ever found and will ever find his sweetest enjoyment, 
when he is performing those duties which go most largely to de- 
velop the better qualities of his nature. Next to the associations 
of family, and next to the ties which have their birth in the 
dearest and most sacred relations of life, man will find his hap- 
piness in close attachment to his fellow-man. The noblest 
promptings and impulses of our hearts are those which bid us 
seek the happiness of others. Human sympathy is as wide as 
human existence. Human love is as comprehensive as human 
needs. Human aspirations are not confined to earth ; and he 
who possesses the elements of true manhood, also possesses capa- 
bilities of true brotherhood, and recognizes the existence of one 
fatherhood. It is the recognition of these truths and principles, 
which cause to be instituted Orders such as ours. It is the prac- 
tice of the humanities which make our Order honored of man 
and blessed of God. 

Brothers, I congratulate you on the existence of our most noble 
and fraternal organization. I congratulate you on the good you 
have already done. I congratulate you on the mercies and bene- 
fits which you are now performing. I congratulate you on your 
capabilities for future usefulness. The history of our Order is one 
in which each member should take personal pride. Only thir- 
teen years ago, a few noble men, appreciating the need of such 
an organization as the Knights of Pythias, actuated by a desire 
to make mankind better, alleviate the distress to which all are 



412 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

heir, and ameliorate the condition of those whom ill fortune or 
ill health might overtake, banded together and instituted our 
Order. The seed they placed in their hearts germinated and 
grew, until to-day " Castle Halls" are to be found in all our 
land, and many of the weary and worn of earth find shelter and 
sweet comfort among the Knights, while the happiness of those 
on whom fortune has not frowned, is largely increased by the 
possession of the facilities and means of showing that "one 
touch of nature makes the whole world akin." 

Since last we met, our Order, whilst it has not grown as we 
most fondly hoped and expected at the commencement of the 
year, has felt the invigorating influence inseparable from pros- 
perity. There has been no matter of discord, other than that 
incident to the administration of Orders like ours. The old 
Lodges, with but few exceptions, have increased their strength 
and are better able to perform the aims of their existence ; whilst 
new ones have been instituted, which are in good condition, 
vieing with the older Lodges in the practice of those virtues 
which make them great and commend us to mankind. While I 
congratulate you on the condition of the Order, I cannot help 
enjoining upon you greater activity and more complete consecra- 
tion to the work. I am full of poignant regret that I have been 
unable to give more devotion to the advancement of the interest 
of the Order. When I assumed the duties of my position it was 
with the full determination that I would make my term of office 
one of labor as well as love. Unfortunately for both the Order 
and myself, I was compelled to assume new and unexpected duties, 
which severed me, to some extent, from active work. This I do 
most sincerely regret. The field was so wide, so inviting, so 
congenial to my tastes, and so full of promise of rich reward, 
that I had hoped to have largely increased the usefulness of our 
Order. That I have been deprived of so doing is a source of 
deep regret. Could I have visited the several Lodges of the 
jurisdiction, which was my intent, the effectiveness of work 
would have been greatly promoted, while I myself would have 
had new sources of pleasure and new wells of joy. 

The practice in our daily intercourse with men, of the truths 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 413 

which our Order inculcates, will go far towards commending us 
to mankind. Mere professions will amount to nothing. The 
constant practice of the principles on which our Order rests will 
most secure its advancement. Men's hearts have open doors, 
and no guests are so welcome as those who come in the sweet 
names of "Friendship, Charity, and Benevolence." 
Yours in F., C, & B., 

John G. Thompson, 

Grand Chancellor. 



Grand Jurisdiction of Pennsylvania. 

ON the 19th day of February, 1867, a meeting was held at 
, the residence of George Hensler, corner of Fifteenth and 
Brown Streets, in the city of Philadelphia, for the purpose 
of organizing a Lodge. Mr. Hensler was chosen chairman, and 
P. G. C. Barton explained the principles and objects of the Order. 
An application for a charter was then signed, and the following 
officers named : 

Venerable Patriarch — Wilbur H. Myers. 

Worthy Chancellor — Fred. Coppes. 

Worthy Vice Chancellor — John J. Fisher. 

Worthy Banker — William A. Porter. 

Worthy Financial Scribe — A. J. Huhlzinger. 

Worthy Recording Scribe — G. Gross. 

Worthy Guide — ]. W. Hencill. 

Worthy Inside Steward — James M. Devitt. 

There were nineteen others besides the officers who united in 
the movement. The Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia 
promptly acted on the application for a charter, and granted it. 

On the morning of February 23, 1867, the committee appoint- 
ed to institute the first Lodge in the Keystone State, was escorted 
to the depot, from Mt. Vernon Lodge-room, by the different 
Lodges in Washington City, headed by Heald's band. The com- 
mittee was received in Philadelphia by Past Grand Chancellors 



414 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Barton and Dunn and the members of Excelsior Lodge, No. i, 
and conducted to the Hall of the Mechanic Fire-Engine Com- 
pany, Brown Street below Fifteenth, where, at 8 o'clock p. m., 
on the same day, the Lodge was duly organized and the officers 
installed. 

The rich results of that day's work are now visible in this 
magnificent field for Pythian principles, with its four hundred 
and fifty Lodges and forty thousand members. The following 
extract from the last report of Hon. George Hawkes, the able 
and accomplished Grand Keeper of Records and Seal of this 
Grand Jurisdiction, shows the present status of the Order, wherein 
he says that, "As per reports received for term ending June 30, 
1876, covering a period of six months: 

No. of initiations during the term 1,625 

" " reinstatements during the term 171 

" admitted by card " " " 311 

" withdrawn " " " " 192 

" of suspensions during the term 2 >3°5 

" " deceased " " " 192 

" " Past Chancellors 4>799 

" " Knights 32,508 

" " Esquires 91 

" " Pages 96 

Total 37.494 

Number of applicants rejected 53 

Amount of receipts $170,199 63 

" paid for relief 73,02421 

" of Widows' and Orphans' Fund 6,643 61 

" on hand and invested 448,02233 

Extract from Report of George Hawkes, Grand 
Keeper of Records and Seal. 

To the Grand Lodge Knights of Pythias of Pennsylvania : 

The undersigned respectfully submits the following as his an- 
nual report as Grand Keeper of Records and Seal, in accordance 
with the law defining his duties as such officer. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 415 

Considering the financial difficulties that have existed for the 
past two years, the scarcity of labor and money among the work- 
ing-classes, it is a matter of congratulation that our Order in this 
State has not lost by the inability of members to pay their dues, 
and their ultimate suspension, more than other organizations of 
a similar character when a comparison is made based upon the 
entire membership. 

It is to be regretted, however, that some of our Lodges have 
surrendered their charters, and others merged with sister Lodges, 
in consequence of their inability to obtain members in place of 
those thus suspended. 

The Supreme Lodge has fixed the minimum fee at so high a 
figure that our Lodges cannot successfully compete with subordi- 
nates of other organizations, whose minimum fee is but $5.00, 
and the applicant has an opportunity of uniting with a Lodge 
of those Orders having the advantage of being many years the 
senior of our subordinates, and, as a matter of course, with the 
accumulations of those years in their treasury, for about one-half 
the fee which our Lodges are compelled to demand. 

The fee as at present existing is no doubt proper for Lodges 
of our Order, and does not operate to their disadvantage in juris- 
dictions where higher rates are required by similar organizations, 
but with us it will in time (unless the remedy is provided) result 
in the dissolution of a number of our subordinate Lodges. 

I would therefore respectfully suggest that this important sub- 
ject receive your serious consideration at this session, and that 
such legislation will be had as will induce the Supreme Lodge 
to allow each Grand Jurisdiction to regulate the matter of initia- 
tion fee as the necessities of the Order may demand. 

Extract from report of Hon. E. Walter Scott, Grand 
Chancellor of Pennsylvania. 

Representatives and Past Chancellors : — We have again met in 
annual session to legislate for the welfare of our Order. Another year has 
added its history to the irrevocable past — a year fraught with momentous 
reminiscences, with stirring and depressing influences, and with words and 
deeds which will endure when the mankind of to-day shall have " closed 
their account with time," and journeyed to the boundless hereafter. 



41 6 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

As a nation we are engaged in a prolonged commemoration of one of the 
most magnificent evidences of the progression and advancement of humanity. 
The American citizen of to-day, as his mind involuntarily reviews the past 
history of his country, finds in the survey all that is required to imbue him 
with a love of its institutions, a pride in its successful career, and a desire that 
the future shall be as brilliant and glorious as the past. 

There is a vast field offered for the indulgence of speculative pride in the 
comparisons of our country, in its incipiency and its present high standing 
and proud position among the nations of the world. 

Under the advancing influence of a true system of government, — a govern- 
ment " of the people, for the people and by the people," — we have enlarged 
from small and depressed communities, widely separated, into a great com- 
monwealth of millions; from the subjects of a foreign power we have become 
the arbiters of our own destinies and the enacters of our own laws. 

From the days of the early revolution, when the people "rose as one man," 
struck off the shackles of tyranny, and with a mighty voice decreed that "all 
men are created equal," there has been no retrograde movement in our na- 
tional career. 

The wisdom of those who gave an American Constitution to an American 
people is being fully justified after their country has passed a century of ex- 
istence. 

To-day the teachings of liberty which they inculcated, are regarded as 
dear as they were by those who pledged " their lives, their fortunes, and their 
sacred honor " upon the altar of American Independence, and who laid down 
their lives that the country which they loved should be freed from those de- 
grading influences which would seek the physical or moral bondage of man- 
kind. 

Under the operation of wise enactments and moral regulations, we have 
progressed beyond the imagination of the most enthusiastic idealist. 

The steady march of improvement has been uninterrupted ; strifes have been 
engendered ; wars have been engaged in ; blood has been shed, and lives 
have been sacrificed. The ambitions of men have for a time threatened our 
permanency, and unwise rulers have seemingly jeopardized our liberties; 
but through all these various impeding episodes the great underlying prin- 
ciple of our government has remained untouched. Under its influences 
churches have been established, school-houses have been reared, law courts 
have been founded, and from their refining influences and comprehensive opera- 
tions we have been enabled to advance socially, morally, and as a nation. 

It is, therefore, with no idle feelings of exultation, that we commemorate 
the anniversary of the nation's birth, and sing the anthems of her glory ; but 
with a sentiment of reverence and thankfulness that we have been permitted, 
through the wisdom of all-controlling Providence, to enjoy the benefits of 
the government of a great nation, and to participate in the beneficent opera- 
tions of a glorious republic. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 417 

We have solved the problem of human liberty ; we have elucidated the 
theory of man's capability for self-government, and to-day we welcome to our 
shores the representatives of nations who doubted our existence, and who are 
now compelled to acknowledge the marvelous effects of the stimulating 
energy and rapid progress of a people who rejoice in the title of American 
citizens. 

As a natural outgrowth of the teachings of our fathers, this love of liberty, 
and the right of assembly, the fraternal spirit of mankind has been fully de- 
veloped. Associations of every character have from time to time been 
ushered into existence ; all tending to bring man in closer communion with 
his fellows, and to enable him to understand and appreciate the natures, the 
influence and the necessities of those with whom he is associated. 

And perhaps the most important of these, in their beneficent operations, in 
the development of the mind, the elevation of character, the improving in- 
fluences upon the morals of communities, and the administration of aid to 
the necessitous, are the secret beneficial organizations which have been formed 
during the existence of our country. The extent of their power for good 
cannot be over-estimated ; the lessons inculcated, if properly observed and 
practically exemplified, cannot fail to have their effect in improving the nat- 
ural condition of man, and in disseminating the principles of a great moral re- 
form, which, if operative at all, must be for the benefit and advantage of society. 
For nearly a century these organizations have existed in our country ; each 
pursuing their, various courses; each operating with whatever zeal and en- 
ergy they were endowed with, and each adding by their efforts to the develop- 
ment of that great element of morality and fraternity which binds mankind 
n closer fellowship, and leads him to a better knowledge of himself and his 
duties toward his Creator and fellow-man. 

As a representative of this moralizing influence, the Knights of Pythias 
can justly claim for themselves an honorable position. Though but a plant 
f a few years' growth, its germ has become deeply rooted, and under its re- 
freshing shade are gathered thousands of men who have sworn fealty to each 
other, and are working hand in hand in the great work of fraternizing the 
world. The history of the Order of the Knights of Pythias is one in which 
ill should take a pardonable degree of pride. A record of its beneficence 
ince its inception, of the relief afforded to the suffering, the kindly words of 
heer, so often needed, and in trying times of such potent effect, the general 
md wide-spread dissemination of the pure principles of a devoted friendship, 
hould insure for it the lasting respect of all who desire the welfare of hu- 
nanity and the inculcation of beneficial doctrines. 

For the proper working of such organizations, order is of a necessity re- 
quired. For that purpose it is necessary that laws should be enacted for the 
overnment of all — that officers should be chosen who would themselves 
bserve the law, and enforce its observance upon others. Harmonious 

2B 



41 8 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

co-operation is required, and well-digested regulations must be made and en- 
forced. Hence the Grand Lodge was formed, officers elected, and represen- 
tatives chosen, and to-day we meet in fraternal council to review the record 
of the past — to consider from the light of past events our present position, 
and, guided by the wisdom reaped from the fields of our experience, to legis- 
late for the future. 

To the body thus formed, to the representatives thus elected, and in accord- 
ance with the laws thus made, I have the honor to present the following as 
the report of my operations as the executive officer of this jurisdiction for 
the past year. 

From a general outlook the condition of some of the Lodges in the State 
is not of that nature which gives occasion for congratulation. Many others, 
however, have made rapid and sure progress, and are in a condition which 
betokens correct principles of government, correct financial operations, and 
a degree of energy which is the sure foundation of a permanent security and 
success. 

It is true that the condition of the national finances, the depression of the 
business interests, and the high rate of initiation fees, have had much to do 
with weakening the treasuries, impairing the strength, and preventing the 
material increase of the Lodges generally ; but it is a matter of regret beyond 
question that in the early history of our Order too many Lodges were estab- 
lished. Localities, where but one Lodge could safely exist, to gratify the 
ambition of some who desired advancement, were inflicted with two, and in 
some cases three; petty personal differences in the meetings very often led 
to the formation of a new Lodge by the disaffected, and in a short time every 
available city, town and county was overburdened with the responsibility 
of sustaining more Lodges than the population of the places admitted or the 
proper consideration of success warranted. 

As a consequence, when the fair sun is shining, and the gentle winds are 
blowing, it is easy sailing over a calm, unruffled sea ; but when the storms of 
adversity overtake us, the weakened crafts that but a short time before were 
placidly moving on the current of seeming prosperity, are dashed against the 
disastrous rocks, and sink beneath the waves of oblivion. 

Inaugural Address of Hon. Henry M. Wadsworth, 
Grand Chancellor. 

Brothers : — Upon assuming this office, I would fain express- 
to you my desires regarding the course I shall endeavor to pursue 
during the year to come, but hopes and fears take from me my 
limited supply of words,, and I must leave the future to bettei 
exemplify the thoughts within. Like the navigator, I take my 
departure, trusting to the laws that govern us as my chart for 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 419 

guidance ; endeavoring to fulfil each and every course laid down 
therein, respecting and fostering every custom not infringing 
on our fundamental laws, which will add to our usefulness and 
efficiency as an Order. 

I do not expect to add brilliancy to the duties I shall have to 
perform, save the peace that shall come from within, assuring 
me that I have done my duty with an honest heart, with the 
sincerity of a Knight, and there will be little to foster any greater 
ambition in me. 

Innovations and reforms I shall leave to you or to those who 
may come after ; my greatest desire will be harmony and peace 
throughout the jurisdiction, a unity of action in our work that 
shall impress the most cynical observer that we practice the 
words emblazoned on our shields — Friendship, Charity, and 
Benevolence. With this as an earnest of my intentions, I ask 
your ready co-operation and cordial support, as on you rest the 
greater responsibilities. I may err and be weak, you must be 
vigilant and strong, remembering you are the master, and I but 
the servant. 

-I invite your careful scrutiny into all my official acts, and shall 
regard the assistance and advice of the humblest member of the 
Order with that fraternal spirit of equality upon which I believe 
rests our success. 

Trusting in your fidelity and zeal, I take up the work before 
me, believing our task is one that should commend itself to all 
mankind, and by a faithful exemplification of our principles, 
under a Divine favor, we shall reap a glorious fruition in the 
fulness of time. 

The following brothers are the officers of the Grand Lodge 
for the present term, to wit : 

Past Grand Chancellor — E. Walter Scott, no South Fourth 
Street, Phila., Pa. 

Grand Chancellor — H. M. Wadsworth, 709 Sansom Street, 
Phila., Pa. 

Grand Vice Chancellor — John Ralston, Reading, Berks 
County, Pa. 



420 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Grand 'Prelate-*- A. A. Duke, 1810 Cameron Street, Phila., Pa. 

Grand Keeper of Records and Seal — George Hawkes, 709 
Sansom Street, Phila., Pa. 

Grand Master of Exchequer — James Mackintosh, 877 North 
Fifth Street, Phila., Pa. 

Grand Master-at-Arms — Thomas G. Sample, Pittsburg, Al- 
legheny County, Pa. 

Grand Inner Guard — John B. Merritt, 317 Queen Street, 
Phila., Pa. 

Grand Outer Guard — Henry Strockbine, 1944 North Third 
Street, Phila., Pa. 

Supreme Representative — John P. Linton, Johnstown, Cam- 
bria County, Pa. 

Supreme Representative — John W. Beebe, 600 South Second 
Street, Phila., Pa. 

Supreme Representative — John Stotzer, Easton, Northamp- 
ton County, Pa. 

Grand Messenger — William M. Weckerly, 709 Sansom Street, 
Phila., Pa. 



Grand Jurisdiction of Rhode Island. 

THE Order in this State owes its introduction to P. G. C. 
Daniel N. Paine, of Woonsocket, who, on his return from 
a journey to California, where he had been instructed in 
the mysteries of the three degrees, took active steps for the or- 
ganization of a Lodge in Woonsocket, in which he was success- 
ful, Myrtle Lodge, No. 1, being instituted by Supreme Chan- 
cellor Samuel Read, on the evening of April 28, 1870. Supreme 
Chancellor Read was a long-time friend of Bro. Paine, and insti- 
tuted the Lodge in person. When he arrived at Providence on 
the 26th of April, he found a body of men in readiness to be 
organized as Union Lodge, No. 2, and to save time and travel, 
and as the brethren at Woonsocket had not quite perfected their 
arrangements, Union Lodge, No. 2, was accordingly instituted on 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 42 1 

the evening of April 26, 1870. This explains why No. 2 was 
instituted two days prior to No. 1. P. G. C. James H. Barney 
was appointed D. G. C. of the State, and matters sailed along 
smoothly and quietly with the brethren until about the com- 
mencement of 187 1, when indications pointed strongly to an in- 
crease in the number of Lodges in the jurisdiction. Union 
Lodge, often called the "mother of the Lodges," had assumed 
matronly proportions ; the time was ripe for the advent of new 
branches of the parent tree, and on the 18th of January, 1871, 
Damon Lodge, No. 3, was instituted at Providence amid much 
enthusiasm. The next evening Washington Lodge, No. 4, of 
Central Falls, was added to the number, and after a brief inter- 
val, Eureka Lodge, No. 5, was instituted at Pawtucket on the 
evening of January 30, thus making the requisite number for 
the formation of a Grand Lodge, which was accordingly insti- 
tuted at Providence on the 17th day of February, 187 1, and of 
Pythian Period the 7th, by Supreme Chancellor Samuel Read 
and Grand Venerable Patriarch Wilbur H. Myers, the following 
named officers being elected and formally installed : 
' Grand Venerable Patriarch — Lysander Flagg. 

Grand Chancellor — Clarence T. Gardner. 

Grand Vice Chancellor — John F. Driscol. 

Grand Recording and Corresponding Scribe — N. R. Tilton. 

Grand Banker — Daniel N. Paine. 

Grand Guide — William F. Easton. 

Gratid Inner Steward — C. T. Peterson. 

Gra7id Outer Steward — A. B. Gardiner. 

To the strong common sense, energy, enthusiasm, and fine 
executive abilities of Grand Chancellor Gardner, the Order in 
this State owes much of the marked success which has attended 
it ; the work he accomplished making it comparatively easy for 
the future labors of his successors in office. Under his adminis- 
tration the following named Lodges were instituted : 

St. John's, No. 6, Olneyville, March 9, 1871 ; John Milton, 

No. 7, Providence, March 13, 1871 ; Narragansett, No. 8, River 

Point, June 28, 1871; Oriental, No. 9, Providence, July 31, 1871; 

Hope, No. 10, Anthony, August 17, 1871 ; Redwood, No. 11, 

*6 



422 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Newport, September 7, 1871 ; Crusader, No. 12, Providence, 
January 24, 1872 ; St. Elmo, No. 13, Peacedale, 1872. 

Grand Chancellor Gardner was re-elected for a second term 
in February, 1872, but resigned the office the following May, 
and P. G. C. James B. Brayton, of Newport, was elected for the 
remainder of the term. Under his administration St. George 
Lodge, No. 14, was instituted at Providence, June 19, 1872. 

In February, 1873, P- G. C. Hiram L. Howard, of Eureka 
Lodge, of Pawtucket, was elected Grand Chancellor, filling the 
office for two terms, during which time the two remaining 
Lodges were instituted, viz.: Herman (German), No. 15, at 
Providence, October 13, 1873, an d Ivanhoe, No. 16, at Paw- 
tucket, February 12, 1874. 

In February, 1875, P- G. C. Charles A. Lee, of Ivanhoe Lodge, 
of Pawtucket, was elected Grand Chancellor, and having ac- 
ceptably filled the position for the term, during a long period of 
depression in business, and consequently a barren season for the 
extension of the Order, was re-elected at the last annual session 
of the Grand Lodge, the officers for the "Centennial Year" 
being as follows : 

Grand Chancellor — Charles A. Lee. 
Grand Vice Chancellor — Fred. J. Smith. 
Grand Prelate — John Henry Tilley. 
Grand Keeper of Records and Seal — A. O. Rockwell. 
Grand Master of Exchequer — William E. Gilmore. 
Grand Master- at- Arms — William H. Martin. 
Grand Inner Guard — Thomas Patterson. 
Grand Outer Guard — William E. Bontelle. 
Past Grand Chancellor — H. B. Whitman. 
Representatives to Supreme Lodge — James B. Brayton, 2 years ; 
Hiram L. Howard, 1 year. 

From the foregoing, it will be seen that in less than six months 
from the formation of the Grand Lodge, the number of Subor- 
dinate Lodges was doubled. At the present time there are 16 
Lodges in good working order, with a membership of about one 
thousand. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXTBOOK. 423 

Disbursements for Charitable Purposes. 

Since the institution of the Order in this State, and up to Jan- 
uary 1, 1876, there has been paid out by the Subordinate Lodges, 
for relief of sick or disabled brethren, and other charitable pur- 
poses, the sum total of $18,313.90. 

THE "WOMAN QUESTION." 

The idea of establishing a " Side Degree" to our Order for 
women, is not unfavorably received in this jurisdiction ; but in 
our opinion, and in the opinion of others, the time is not yet 
come for such an addition, and the question of its establishment 
here, if adopted by the Supreme Lodge, is one that the future 
alone can determine. 

Personally speaking, the Grand Chancellor is not an advocate 
of the idea, and the subject was never strongly agitated in this 
State. 

Extract from an Address by Grand Chancellor Lee. 

Much has been said against the Knights of Pythias, and against 
secret societies in general, on account of their secrecy. That is 
the argument of sophistry. In one sense, we are all members 
of a vast secret society — the human family. We all have our 
secrets, which we keep hidden within the deep recesses of our 
hearts, or (as is said to be characteristic of the fair sex) we im- 
part them in confidence to our bosom friend. The spirit which 
rebels against secret societies and their openly avowed principles 
in this enlightened age, is a relic of that benighted animosity 
which, fifty years ago, nearly annihilated a secret society now the 
strongest and most widely disseminated on the face of the globe; 
a spirit on a level with that which has left a blot on the colonial 
fame of New England by torturing and afterward hanging its 
victims on Gallows Hill, during the prevalence of the Salem 
witchcraft. A society like ours, which recognizes one Supreme 
Being and Ruler of the Universe, and whose portals no sceptic 
or unbeliever in the existence of our Heavenly Father can enter, 
is not far removed from the pale of the church, when we choose 
to examine its moral and religious status. A true Knight will be 



424 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

faithful to the duties he owes himself, his family, his friends, and 
his lodge ; and if the world at large would but emulate and prac- 
tice the enduring lessons of Obedience, Friendship, Charity, and 
Benevolence, as taught in this Order, we should all, both within 
and without its mystic circle, so live that posterity would be the 
better for our having existed ; the universe would be purer and 
nobler, wars and rumors of war should reach our ears no more, 
and finally, preparing ourselves for the inevitable transition from 
things earthly to brighter realms above, we could retrospectively 
view our life record, and with complacency and consistency say : 

" Life ! we 've been so long together, 
Through pleasant and through cloudy weather; 
'T is hard to part when friends are dear, 
Perhaps 't will cost a sigh, a tear ; 
Then steal away, give little warning, 

Choose thine own time; 
Say not good-night, but in some brighter clime 
Bid me good-morning." 



Grand Jurisdiction of Tennessee. 

THE Order of Knights of Pythias was instituted at Knoxville 
in July, 1 87 1, by S. V. C. (at that time) Russell, of Missouri, 
Holston, No. 1, being the initial Lodge of the Jurisdiction 
of Tennessee. A few weeks thereafter, Damon, No. 2, was organ- 
ized at Chattanooga, and Myrtle, No. 3, at Knoxville; and when 
the Grand Lodge of Tennessee was instituted at Nashville, by S. C. 
Samuel Read, April 2, 1872, there were Past Chancellors present 
from three additional Lodges, viz. : Bayard, No. 4, Murfreesboro, 
Memphis, No. 6, and Tennessee, No. 5 ; the latter two located at 
Memphis. Colonies were thus successfully and auspiciously 
planted in the three grand divisions of the State, and the growth 
of the Order for the two succeeding years was very gratifying in- 
deed — the material was eclectic and the esprit de corps splen- 
did. With the advent, however, of that terrible financial strin- 
gency which has paralyzed more or less every interest in the 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 425 

South, enlistments under the Pythian banner became fewer, and 
unfortunately there were perhaps occasional desertions. Here, 
too, as in other jurisdictions, Pythian Knighthood, though a 
stripling, has been compelled to measure strength with those 
mature organizations, Masonry and Odd-Fellowship ; it has been 
forced to advance, as it were, step by step, fighting doggedly 
for every hard-earned vantage ground. Now, however, that the 
Order has successfully demonstrated its vitality, its strength, 
and capabilities in this jurisdiction, it has become firmly rooted, 
and gives hopeful assurance of a better growth and a rich fruit- 
age in the near future. 

The Grand Lodge meets annually in the city of Nashville on 
the second Tuesday of February ; each Subordinate Lodge is en- 
titled to send one representative thereto. 

J. J. Atkins, of Harmony Lodge, No. 7, Knoxville, is the pres- 
ent Grand Chancellor of the State, a most worthy, efficient, and 
faithful officer ; he is surrounded by a splendid cabinet of subordi- 
nate officials. The Order in Tennessee is not asleep, but as soon 
as it shall have been relieved from the vampire of " hard times," 
it will emerge from its present enforced stagnation, and, like a 
giant refreshed with new wine, will march forth with self-reliant 
tread to battle afresh for the great tenets of Pythian Knighthood. 

Address by Alex. Allison, P. G. C. and S. R., delivered 
at the dedication of a Castle Hall. 

Ladies and Gentlemen : 

I trust I may not be considered too presuming, when I interpret your pres- 
ence here this evening as a tribute to the great Order of Knights of Pythias, 
which I have the honor to represent ; an Order which has recently occupied 
so large a space in the public eye, and whose Lo triumphe comes floating to 
us on every breeze. To each of us are propounded the oft-recurring inter- 
rogatories : What is this new Order ? and " on what meat doth this young 
Caesar feed, that he hath grown so great?" 

I answer, 1st. The Knights of Pythias belong to the great generic Order 
comprehensively styled, secret benevolent organizations. 2d. They were 
founded February 19, 1864, in the city of Washington, D. C. 3d. They 
received their name from that grand old Grecian, Pythias, whose sublime 
devotion to the proscribed Damon revolutionized the social ideas of an era 
which it rendered even more resplendent ; a devotion which at once became a 
36* 



426 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

part of the history of that golden, classic world, and which those patriarchial, 
d7z/z'-Christian years solemnly bequeathed as a priceless legacy to their chil- 
dren of the new dispensation. 

To secure more perfect cohesion, discipline, and efficiency, the physique, 
so to speak, of our Order comports with that of Knight-Errantry ; so that 
its members having passed successively the probationary " ranks" of Page 
and Esquire, receive at last the climactical and chivalric title of Knight ; a 
name at once instinct with the proud memories of Tilt and Tournay, of Ladye 
fair and gartered liegeman, and the splendid chivalry of the Round Table, 
of Launcelot and Arthur. But while we persistently strive to emulate what- 
soever was meritorious in that magnificent system of Knighthood, we sedu- 
lously subordinate physical powers to moral excellence, teaching man that 
the banner of right is the ensign of glory, and that the shield of honor, 
where virtue blazons its coat-of-arms, is the fittest panoply of chivalry. I 
shall not attempt by any abstract reasoning to establish the necessity {ox secret 
benevolent organizations, nor shall I endeavor to proselyte from his idols of 
prejudice any tenacious Ephraim who has hitherto spurned the sweet influ- 
ences they exert ; surely their splendid benefactions, confronting him on every 
hand, are the most eloquent advocates of their intrinsic excellences. Suffice 
it to say, that in all epochs of the world's social economy there have existed 
institutions similar to our own, whose prophets have sung of a coming age of 
gold, and while groping through the thick noon of night have yet pointed as 
with inspiration's finger to the dawn of a refulgent sabbath of universal broth- 
erhood. Their teachings have all sought to lift humanity to a higher plane, 
to evoke its capabilities for good, and to strengthen its faith in the possibility 
of a common fraternity. Eleusis, Isis, Osiris, and Pythagoras are names 
which humanity loves to syllable; heroic and inexorable Iconoclasts who, 
with one hand dethroned the puny idols of Polytheism, and with the other 
reared upon their ruins the temple of a holy and immutable Monotheism ; 
missionaries these who in that far frontier life of the world taught, as if di- 
vinely commissioned, the twin-born faith of man's amenability to his Maker, 
and his duty to his fellow. It is true, these grand old teachers have long 
since passed away, and their peculiarly representative schools live only on 
the dim, historic pages, but posterity could not forget their great cardinal 
teachings of stipreme allegiance to God, loyalty to a brother, and philanthropy 
for distress. And all along the thoroughfare of the after years the temples 
of fellowship have had their crowding votaries, where white-souled priests 
have rekindled, as with the breath of heaven, the sacred fires upon their 
altars. And now comes Pythian Knighthood proclaiming the same beauti- 
ful and sublime evangel, and linking its hopes and its aims, its labors and its 
blessings with those of the fathers who have gone before; a great open- 
handed almoner of good, an unfeed apostle of peace standing as majestically 
as did Paul upon Mars Hill, and bravely enunciating to the people the new 
Gospel of & purer Catholicism and a world-over brotherhood. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 427 

Friendship, Charity, and Benevolence are the distinguishing admonitions of 
Pythian Knighthood ; the three positive forces that vitalize and energize our 
Order. 1st. Friendship, even " like that which bound Damon unto Pythias," a 
friendship whose chain was forged in the fires of those weird, old Pythago- 
rean altars, around which they so often knelt, which repelled as triple steel 
even the sword of Dionysius, which only grew brighter and firmer in the re- 
flected light of the headman's axe, and finally linked the name of Pythias to 
the very pillars of immortality. For, save the holocaust self-offered upon the 
Cross, the crimson-breasted bird of day never gazed upon so wonderful a 
spectacle of self-immolation as that which thrilled the gaping thousands of 
old Syracuse, when fealty chose death rather than dishonor. And, save the 
utterance of the dying God-man, " Father, forgive them," the sweetest music 
that ever fell upon the ears of Time were the words of the dauntless Pythias 
standing there, the Apotheosis of Friendship, beneath that sad, Sicilian sky, 
while the last flush of the westering sun aureoled his brow as with a tiara of 
gold, " ' Tis sweet to die for those we love." And now, so long as the ages shall 
roll, so long as earth treasures the memory of the true, the heroic, and the 
sublime, just so long will the story of Pythias continue to mould the purposes 
and shape the actions of men. A story which has rung out like a silver bell 
through the storms of all the centuries ; from whose music humanity shall 
catch fresh inspiration, and toiling upward through the shadowy years shall 
stand erect at last upon the mount of its transfiguration. 

This is a type of that friendship which our Knighthood enjoins ; a friend- 
ship whose watchword is, "faithful unto death," which fights for no pillage, 
which flanks no sacrifices, and surrenders to no adversity. Not that cold, un- 
sympathizing statue which 't were mockery to call friendship, but a living, con- 
trolling sentiment which is sweeter than life and stronger than death. Not the 
false, ephemeral flower which blooms only in the sunshine-smiles of fortune, 
but the staunch oak-hearted tree which strikes its roots deepest when storms 
gather fiercest. Not the base-born deserter in the night of disaster, but the 
steel-souled loyalist who interlocks his shield with his comrade's, and points 
to the folds of their common banner where blaze, as with the sheen of eternal 
stars, the heroic words : 

Yes, come the wild weather, come sleet or come snow, 
We '11 stand by each other however it blow ; 
Affliction and sickness, and sorrow and pain, 
Shall be to our friendship as links to the chain. 

2d. Charity is the second of the Pythian virtues ; not that formal almsgiving 
which is but a misnomer for charity ; but that beautiful, Christ-like spirit, 
which is chary of its criticism, generous in its verdict, and catholic in its 
practice, turning a deaf ear to the hisses of calumny, and dropping the mantle 
of clemency over the faults of its fellows. 

Lastly, we are taught Benevolence; not that calculating brokerage which 



428 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

expects a quid pro quo fox its disbursements, but that generous spontaneity 
which is ever sensitive to the touch of distress. Not that maudlin sentimen- 
tality which is but an impractical fanaticism, but a well-ordered, systema- 
tized, healthful philanthropy, whose opportune benefactions not only relieve 
the ills and misfortunes of a Brother while living, but bridge with faithful, 
provident hand the chasm of the grave to supplement the scanty revenue of 
the widow and assure a maintenance to the orphan. Not that ostentatious, 
Pharisaical benevolence which courts the plaudits of the world, but that meek- 
robed ministrant of good who turns aside from the fretful mart, the glare of 
fashion, and the pomp of place, and remembering that " the jewels that we 
garner are the tears we wipe away," comes like a benison from God to the 
squalid abodes where poverty hides its sad-faced children, where sorrow 
broods unpitied above its bitterness, and sickness gasps out its moans upon the 
unresponsive air. Thus it will be seen that Friendship, Charity, and Benevo- 
lence constitute the sacred trialogue of our Order ; the three vital influences 
that direct, and guard, and gird it about even as did the triple angels, the 
ineffable glory of the holy grail. Moreover, from this great reservoir natu- 
rally flow corollary duties and ulterior aims. Pythian Knighthood seeks to 
manacle wrong, to throttle vice and to subdue error ; it teaches a higher 
manhood, a purer morality, the staunchest allegiance to law, and the profound- 
est reverence for religion; it inculcates a closer brotherhood of feeling and 
a more perfect unification of interest and relationship in the great family of 
man. I would not dare to institute a parallelism between'the religion of the 
Bible and the precepts of our Order. I believe the former to be not only the 
purest code of ethics in all the statute-books of time, but the only hand that 
can open for the exiled Adam the barred portals of his long-lost Eden. And 
yet in the conscientious, persistent, and faithful practice of the latter, verily 
our hearts will become transmuted as with the alchemy of heaven, and our 
lives be lifted up to a rarer and purer atmosphere. Vice would hide its de- 
formity, strife would wash off the bloodstains from its hands, war would 
spike its revengeful guns, and sorrow shake out the ashes from its tear-wet 
tresses. Then, indeed, would Shiloh come; peace would star the foreheads 
of his horses and blazon the spokes of his chariot-wheels; while the virgins 
of the millennial years would strew his via sacra with their garlands of 
" immortelles. 1 '' No, we arrogate for Pythian Knighthood no peerage with 
religion; it only seeks to be the handmaiden of the latter in its divine 
mission of ameliorating and blessing " the sick world that leans on her," 
and yet along life's flinty highway, while the sleek and saintly priest too 
often passes by on " the other side," the humble Pythian Samaritan will 
linger to bind up the wounds of the distressed and the unfortunate. Pythian 
Knighthood makes no war on Masonry and Odd-Fellowship. No, all honor 
to these great captains of brotherhood, who, like Caleb and Joshua, have 
long been leading their hosts through the wilderness of the years on to that 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 429 

promised Canaan when strife shall hide its coat of mail, and discord break 
its arms at Friendship's feet. And as Dionysius, when convinced of the po- 
tency of friendship, asked to form a triad with Damon and Pythias, so we 
would join hands and hearts and hopes with these great sister organizations, 
and form a triple army of invincible crusaders for God, for peace, and the 
right; an army sublimer than that which followed the blazing war-crest of 
Tancred, or swept like a tornado the lillied banners of Godfrey of Bouillon 
to redeem the tomb of the Saviour. 

And now as to the growth and progress of our Order. As the rainbow, the 
sign of hope and reconciliation, is the child of the storm, so Pythian Knight- 
hood was born amid the agonies of that internecine tempest which but as 
yesterday desolated our country. Its cradle was rocked by the red hand 
of revolution, and its lullaby was the hissing of the shell and the boom of 
the battle-guns that thundered over the land. And yet its vigorous vitality 
and wonderful development have already baffled explanation; to-day it 
stands, self-reliantly erect, a stalwart and full-panoplied giant — Achilles dons 
again his ponderous armor and all the wide camp quivers 'neath his tread. 
That strange star which pierced the war-clouds of '64 has already flooded the 
Occident with its blaze, and soon with the sweep of a meteor it will arch the 
ocean and mingle its sheen with the blushing suns of the Orient. Its earliest 
beams rested like a crown of jewels on the hills that shadow the Potomac; 
thence its wedges of light have opened almost every valley and flamed from 
almost every hill-top of our land; its broad, compelling girdle has made the 
two oceans to kiss, and its chain of love has wedded the lakes and the gulf. 
It is said from the sown dragon's teeth legions of armed men uprose ; so, from 
the principles of our Order wherever implanted, hosts of leal-hearted Knights 
have sprung instinct with zeal and moved with holy purpose. 

Yes, scarcely more than a decade has flitted by like a startled bird since 
this great crusader first flung to the breeze the banner of fellowship, and yet 
more than one hundred thousand Knights have already rallied to its folds. 
Not the ignoble camp-followers of curious adventure or sordid gain, but leal 
and high-souled Knights, with hearts that beat and arms that strike for the 
right ; an army as devoted as that which surged like billows around the talis- 
manic battle-axe of the lion-hearted Richard, till the great pen-dragon of 
Britain rose " rampant " above the shrines and temples of the Holy City. 
And here in our own loved Tennessee, baptized as the very daughter of chiv- 
alry by the proud memories of an hundred fire-girdled battle-fields, the ban- 
ners of this new and mystic league already flame from the blue Virginia hills 
to the great river-father in the West, while its six hundred Pythian Knights 
are as staunch and true as the six hundred troopers who, at the word of com- 
mand ringing out as clear as a rifle-shot, rose like gods in their stirrups and 
thundered down the lines to the immortal charge of Balaklava. Then all 
hail these myrtle-wreathed colors of the Knights of Pythias; not the ill- 



430 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

omened standard of some silver-veiled Mokanna, nor the petty guidon of some 
unhallowed Klanism, but the empyreal ensign of a thrice-holy brotherhood. 
An ensign which Friendship has stamped with the blue of fidelity, which 
Charity has enriched with the gold of its Catholicism, and Benevolence has 
made regal with the crimson of universal empire. 

And now, ladies, by your permission, a word to you. As the orthodox 
knight-errant in the " olden time " invoked as his talisman the approving 
" colors " of his " ladye-love," so we would ask the rich subsidy of your en- 
couragement, and the auxiliary might of your influence in our " labor of love." 
In every age and in every clime the almost omnipotency of woman's influ- 
ence has been recognized and felt. It has been the theme of oratory, the 
soul of music, and the fire of poesy ; it has been the nurse of freedom, the 
bulwark of religion, and the inspiration of chivalry. Therefore I can scarcely 
wonder that the Roman Antony forgot the imperial eagles and the bugle- 
blare amid the Circean charms of the olive-browed Egyptian. I can scarcely 
wonder that the royal Paris did hazard for the star-eyed Helen the proud 
walls of old Venus-guarded Troy. Nor do I wonder, with chivalry for wo- 
man as its chief corner-stone, that the splendid fabric of Knighthood arose 
like enchantment in the East, and that mediaeval Europe trembled beneath 
the thunder-tread of its mailed legions. I do not wonder at the glory that 
enringed as with a carcanet of flame that golden age of chivalry, and wrapped 
in immortal vestments the historic fields of Camelot and Ashby-de-la-Zouche. 
And even to-day, in this practical, prosaic nineteenth century, if you will 
show me a true Knight of Pythias, I will show you a sworn liegeman to 
beauty as well as to duty. I will show you a courtier who ever stands with 
uncovered head in the presence of the royalty of true womanhood, and from 
the Damascus steel of whose soul an insult to virtue will provoke the spark 
of a prompt and manly resentment. Then, ladies, reinforce us with your 
smiles, your influence, and your prayers, and under the blessing of the one 
God we worship, in the fore-front of the grand army of secret benevolent 
organizations now battling for universal brotherhood, with crest erect and 
eagles victorious, will ever march the resistless battalions of the Knights of 
Pythias. 

" The all-hail hereafter " will roll back its shadowy portals and the splen- 
did empire of the future pay tribute to our conquering columns. Then 
indeed will self abjure its " pent-up Utica," and brotherly love wield univer- 
sal sceptre ; the fortresses of hate shall be dismantled and razed, and over their 
ruins the banner of concord shall shimmer like sifted gold its peaceful radi- 
ance. Then in the early morn of humanity's deliverance, like chimes of 
heavenly bells, shall ring out our sweet Pythian hymns. The curse of Babel 
shall no more abound, but throughout the wide, ransomed lands the language 
of fellowship shall be the one silver-tongued dialect of earth. Then shall 
faith in glad fruition, like a new Argos, unfurl its sails for the golden fleece 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT- BO OK. 43 1 

of the promised Colchis — the world's Sabbatic era. Then shall the breeze 
uplift the mists from the valleys, and with rosy buskins diamonded with dew 
upon the Eastern hills, shall stand the young aurora of humanity's golden 
day. Yea, even that unshadowed day whose mellow dawn the prophets 
sang in ages long gone by, when " all men's good be each man's rule, and 
universal peace lie like a shaft of light across the land, and like a lane of 
beams athwart the sea, through all the circle of the golden year." 



Grand Jurisdiction of Texas. 

BY HON. P. S. WREN, G. C. 

TEXAS LODGE, No. 1, Knights of Pythias, was instituted 
in the spring of 1872, at Houston, and J. H. B. House, of 
that city, was appointed and commissioned as Deputy Su- 
preme Chancellor for Texas. 

In the fall of 1872, this eminent brother organized Island City- 
Lodge, No. 2, at Galveston, since which time the Order has 
steadily increased, and the time is not far distant when there will 
be a Castle Hall in every county of this great and growing State. 
There are now nine hundred members and eighteen Lodges in 
this Grand Jurisdiction. 

Hon. W. M. Stafford, in his report, as Grand Chancellor, to 
the Grand Lodge of Texas, bearing date April 4, 1876, says that 

We are again assembled in the bonds of friendship to deliberate 
and legislate for the interests and future welfare of our much 
beloved Order. It is with pleasure that I welcome you to this 
association of fraternal feeling and friendship, and can congrat- 
ulate you on the steady and stable growth of our Order during 
the present year. 

" Brethren, before proceeding, let us not be unmindful of our 
first great duty, to render due praise and thanks unto Him who 
has permitted us to assemble under such favorable auspices, and 
under whose guidance our noble brotherhood has made such 
advancement. We implore His blessing that our proceedings 
may ever be conducted with that spirit of harmony that will 



432 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

redound to the interest and future prosperity of our honored 
Order. 

"One year ago I was, by your suffrages, elected to that high and 
responsible position which it was your pleasure to bestow, and my 
honor to accept. I am pleased to report that the general condi- 
tion of our Order is very encouraging. The progress made has not 
been so great as desired, owing to our own financial embarrass- 
ment, and to depression in business generally ; but we have just 
cause to congratulate ourselves, as our increase in membership 
and financial condition will compare favorably with other juris- 
dictions. 

"Our Subordinate Lodges, with few exceptions, are in a good 
working and financial condition, which will enable them to give 
forth those elements of usefulness that will give us strength, 
and tend to make our jurisdiction of the first rank of Pythian 
Knighthood. 

Our jurisdiction is a broad field of labor; much is to be done; 
so let our legislation be such that we may enlarge the means, and 
better provide to disseminate those principles calculated to pro- 
mote the grand aims of our beloved and honored Order." 

The Grand Lodge of Emergency, K. of P., of Texas, was organ- 
ized on the 6th day of April, 1874, at Houston, by Deputy Su- 
preme Chancellor Shields, there being representatives from eight 
Subordinate Lodges. 

The following gentlemen were elected, and duly installed as 
officers of the Grand Lodge for the first term, to wit : 

Grand Chancellor — A. Ewing. 

Grand Vice Chancellor — F. S. Burke. 

Venerable Grand Patriarch — S. P. Wright. 

Grand Keeper of Records and Seal — A. S. Dyer. 

Grand Master of Exchequer — J. M. Tryon. 

Supreme Representatives — S. P. Wright, two years ; A. Ew- 
ing, one year. 






COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 433 

Grand Jurisdiction of Virginia. 

EXTRACT FROM REPORT OF GEORGE L. SIMPSON, G. C. 



AS we contemplate the glorious condition of our honored 
Order, and behold it illumined by the bright rays of pros- 
perity, without an element of discord to disturb the har- 
mony of its organization, let us recognize and acknowledge our 
obligations to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for the mani- 
fold blessings bestowed on us. Brethren, when we look upon 
the magnificent proportions of Pythian Knighthood, and remem- 
ber that in our own State scarcely eight years have elapsed since 
its establishment upon the bleak shore of experiment, is it strange 
that every chord of our hearts should vibrate with ecstatic pleas- 
ure at the grand transformation from the weakness of infancy to 
the strength of manhood, from the anticipation of novelty to the 
realization of fame ? To the question, what has produced these 
vast and wonderful changes, we hear the answer in tones as true 
as angels use : The practice of our lofty principles, and the en- 
ergy and the effort of our members. These have been the means 
of our advancement, and the same means required to advance 
the Order in its. infancy are required to sustain it in its prosper- 
ity, for no institution, however firmly fixed, can retain an exalted 
position among the organizations of the world, where there is 
lukewarmness or indifference on the part of its supporters. And 
the fact of possessing lofty principles will not compensate for 
these defects. Indeed, the simple fact of having Friendship, 
Charity and Benevolence for our principles, amounts to nothing, 
unless they are practised ; practised not only in our " Castle 
Halls," but in our every-day life with our fellow-man ; for it is 
their practice, and not their hollow profession, that gives such 
glorious prestige to Pythian Knighthood ; and if we cease to make 
them living realities, and allow them to become only "as the 
sounding brass and tinkling cymbal," it will require no divinely 
inspired prophet to inscribe mene, mene, tekel, uftharsin, upon the 
walls of our temple, which has been erected with so much care, 
and adorned with the grandest instances of self-sacrificing devo- 
37 2C 



434 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

tion that history records. But why should I say more ? Have 
we not seen our principles practised where they deserved and 
where they received our highest appreciation? Have we not 
seen them when standing by the bedside of the sick, and when 
with deeds of fraternal affection we have planted flowers of hope 
about the dying pillow ? Have we not seen them when death 
has stricken from our roll of membership a loved comrade, and 
the myrtle of Friendship has entwined itself with the cypress of 
mourning, and have we not seen them whenever and wherever 
the service of a true Pythian is required ? And with our beauti- 
ful history before us we need not leave this age to grope amid the 
debris of dead centuries to find a Pythias to stimulate and en- 
courage us in our benevolent work, for here in our own midst 
the self-sacrificing devotion of one, whose effigy we see in this 
hall, furnishes an example of self-sacrificing heroism that will 
live when the selfish of earth have sunk to their native dust, and 
their very graves are forgotten. Let us continue in the noble 
work that is laid down for us to perform, and then with our 
splendid record, filled with bright deeds, and resplendent with 
generous achievements, we shall indeed be worthy upholders of 
our beautiful Pythian structure, which stands to-day one of the 
grandest temples ever erected by human hands and human hearts 
to our great genius — Friendship. 



Jurisdiction of Quebec. 

METROPOLITAN Lodge, No. i, K. of P., located at Mon- 
treal, Quebec, is the only one in that jurisdiction. It was 
organized through the efforts of Deputy Supreme Chancel- 
lor Leo Harmburger, and has a membership of thirty-eight, with 
bright prospects. The Lodge is under the jurisdiction of the 
Supreme Lodge of the World. 

Leo Harmburger was initiated into the mysteries of our Ordei 
by Daniel Boone Lodge, in the city of Louisville, Kentucky, 
He was born in Germany, in 1844, and is now a thirty-seconc 
degree Mason. He is also connected with the I. O. of O. F. 
and is a zealous, faithful worker in these various societies. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 435 

Province of Ontario, Canada. 

THE Order of the Knights of Pythias was introduced into 
the Province of Ontario, Canada, through the exertions of 
Wm. D. Kennedy, who had previously been made a Knight 
in the States, and who for some time had been working to secure 
for the Order a foothold on Canadian ground. His efforts were 
rewarded by the application for a Lodge to be established at To- 
ronto, and to be known as Mystic Lodge, No. 1. The then S. 
C, Samuel Read, of New Jersey, on receipt of the application, 
came, accompanied by P. C. Park McFarlane, of Philadelphia, 
and on February 22, 1872, the first Lodge of the Order in Onta- 
rio was instituted. These gentlemen, accompanied by some of 
the newly- made Knights of Toronto, then proceeded to London, 
and instituted Alpha Lodge, No. 2 (afterwards changed to 
Myrtle, No. 2), and then to Hamilton, where Red Cross, No. 
3, was organized, after which the S. C. and P. C. McFarlane 
returned home. The S. C. appointed Bro. Kennedy D. S. C. 
The Order then made very fair progress — two Lodges being 
started within a few weeks of each other, viz. : Ivanhoe, No. 4, 
at Toronto, and Crusader, No. 5, at Collingwood. Steps were 
then taken for the formation of a Grand Lodge, and arrange- 
ments made for its organization on April 8, 1873. 



Hawaaian Islands. 

EXTRACT FROM THE REPORT OF A. W. CARTER, K. OF R. AND S. 

IN compliance with the wishes of our Lodge, I herewith sub- 
mit a statement of the financial affairs since its organization. 
These figures represent as brief as possible the exact amount 
which I have been able to glean from the reports to the Su- 
preme Lodge. 



43^ THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Receipts. 

Initiations, Degrees and Dues. $4,oi8 35 

Assessments and other sources 591 09 4,609 44 

Disbursements. 

Supreme Lodge tax $203 11 

Furniture, Rent, Janitor, etc 3*236 93 

20 Brothers Relieved 785 00 

3 " Buried.. 225 00 4,450 04 

#159 4o 

You will please notice that the amount under expenses is 
large. I am of the opinion that a great portion of this was dis- 
bursed for relief, but I am unable to distinguish owing to the 
different forms of blanks used. 

I have made a calculation that the amount of $700.00 has 
been raised at different times during this period (five years) for 
relief, of which the Lodge has no record, it being foreign to 
regular Lodge business but confined to the members. 

Total number of Initiations 79 

Withdrawals 24 

Suspended 11 

Deaths 3 38 41 

Address of Chancellor J. A. Hassinger, of Oahu 
Lodge, No. 1, K. of P., Second Term, July 3, 1873. 

Officers and Brethren : 

The flight of time has brought us to the close of our second 
term ; and in retiring from the place of high honor which Oahu 
Lodge conferred upon me at the institution of the Order of 
Pythian Knighthood on these Islands, it is a pleasant task to 
review our labors of the past and note the steady increase and 
prosperity of our Lodge from its inception. 

Separated as we are by distance from our parent body, the 
Supreme Lodge, and owing allegiance to no intermediate Grand 
Body, we have not the advantage of published annual proceed- 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 4$? 

ings, so valuable to all subordinate Lodges, as containing not only 
decisions on matters of law for governing the Lodge, but other 
items of local interest pertaining to the Order, which serve as 
landmarks noting our past history and guiding our footsteps for 
the future. Therefore, what wonder if at times we find our- 
selves groping in the dark in search of either past events or 
established precedents. In view of this I have been impressed 
with the desirability of a periodical review of our history and 
transactions, in such form as might be preserved for a matter of 
future reference. Accordingly, I have prepared the following brief 
sketch of our birth and progress, in the hope that it may prove 
of interest and induce a continued record from term to term. 

A petition to form a Lodge of Knights of Pythias, to be called 
Oahu Lodge, No. i, having been forwarded to the Supreme 
Lodge in May, 1871, and a dispensation in due time received, a 
meeting was held on the evening of August 28, 1871, at the hall 
of Pacific Hose Co., No.i, of this city. Present, Messrs. How- 
ard, Dayton, Hassinger, Williams, Neill, Sheldon, Black, Tan- 
natt, Donnell, and Kistler : Geo. Howard, Deputy Grand Chan- 
cellor of the Order, presiding. 

The special business of the meeting was to elect three mem- 
bers to receive the degrees and confer the same upon the dispen- 
sation members. The ballot resulted in the choice of Messrs. 
Hassinger, Williams, and Neill, who in due time were initiated 
into the Order and instructed in the mysteries of the several De- 
grees by D. G. C. Howard. 

Mr. J. H. Black having kindly tendered the free use of the 
rooms over the Advertiser office, a meeting was called on the 
following evening, August 29th, at that place, and a preliminary 
Lodge formed by authority of the D. G. C, as follows: 

Acting V. P. Jno. A. Hassinger. 
" W. C. Geo. Howard. 
" V. C. Geo. Williams. 
" G. Jno. Neill. 

Messrs. Dayton, Sheldon, Black, Tannatt, Donnell, and Kist- 
ler were in due form initiated, charged, and proved in the sev- 
eral degrees ; thus forming the nucleus of the first Lodge. 
37* 



43 8 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Upon the same evening the Lodge was duly instituted and the 
following officers, elective and appointed, were duly installed : 

Worthy Chancellor — J. A. Hassinger. 

Vice Chancellor — Geo. Williams. 

Recording Scribe — H. L. Sheldon. 

Financial Scribe — Thomas Tannatt. 

Banker — David Dayton. 

Guide — John Neill. 

Inner Steward — Jas. H. Black. 

Outer Steward — E. Kistler. 

Brother D. G. C. Howard kindly accepted the office of V. P. 
for the term. 

History and tradition inform us that secret Orders were insti- 
tuted among men in the earliest ages ; and not unfrequently in 
the first organization, a chosen few have gathered around some 
rude temporary altar, erected in "the wilderness," and bound 
themselves together by solemn vows, and established the founda- 
tion of a great and prosperous Brotherhood. In this connection 
it might be interesting to note a brief description of our Lodge 
at the first planting of the Pythian banner in these Islands. 
Our temporary furniture was made up of the usual complement 
of chairs found in an editorial sanctum, eked out with an odd 
three-legged stool and sundry packing -boxes. The cloth, upon 
which rested the symbols of our Order, covered an altar of the 
rudest description, and a few empty bottles aided the ordinary 
candlesticks in lighting our first labors. A convenient tack-ham- 
mer served the purposes of a gavel, and the signals of the different 
degrees were rapped out upon the cover of a ritual. But these 
rude accessories in nowise detracted from the earnestness of the 
work, for all there gathered fully appreciated the importance of 
the labor in which they were engaged. There was much to be 
done before the Lodge could be considered as fully started, a 
Constitution and By-Laws, and various other matters were to be 
duly considered and settled, and the nightly meetings, convened 
at six and a half o'clock, not unfrequently lasted till one and 
two o'clock in the morning. At length the preliminaries were 
adjusted and the hall committee having procured a lease of our 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 439 

present premises, the dispensation members felt justified in com- 
mencing the conferring of degrees upon the seventeen charter 
members, whose applications had been accepted. 

In pleasing contrast with our first rude commencement stands 
our present beautiful hall, with its tasty decorations and com- 
plete furniture — so perfect in all its parts as to challenge com- 
parison with any other hall in the city. Its only fault, the very 
satisfactory one, that our increase of membership has been such 
that we are already cramped for room. 

At the close of the first term, the Lodge found itself with a 
membership numbering forty-two, and burdened with a debt of 
$282.14 over and above the receipts, which were $836.00 

The officers elect and appointed for the second term were 
installed on the evening of January 3, 1872, as follows: 

Worthy Chancellor — J. A. Hassinger. 

Vice Chancellor — J. H. Black. 

Recordifig Scribe — H. L. Sheldon. 

Financial Scribe — T. Tannatt. 

Banker — D. Dayton. 

Guide — F. L. Clarke. 

Inner Steward — R. Rycroft. 

Outer Steward — Jas. Dodd. 

Brother D. G. C. Howard kindly accepted the office of 
V. P. for the second term. 

Thanks to an energetic committee, ably assisted by the brethren 
and generously patronized by the public, an entertainment by 
the N. Y. Mammoth Circus, on the evening of February 12th, 
for the benefit of the Lodge, was so successful, that we were 
enabled not only to purchase the fine organ that adorns our hall, 
but our burden of debt was wiped out and the Lodge placed on 
a prosperous footing financially. 

Under the peculiar circumstances of our organization, I have 
frequently been in doubt in regard to questions which I consider- 
ed of vital interest to the Lodge, and with the kind assistance 
of the D. G. C. submitted a number of questions direct to the 
Supreme Chancellor. The following decisions, given under the 
seal of the Supreme Lodge, I have deemed of sufficient impor- 



440 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS. 

tance to note here — the originals being in possession of the D. 
G. Chancellor. 

None but a P. C. or P. V. C. are eligible for W. C. 

The R. S., F. S., and B. of a Lodge should be a P. C. when 
a Lodge has a sufficient number of that rank, but if these officers 
are not P. C.'s, they are only eligible as are the appointed officers 
to the chair of V. C, after having served a term in an elective 
office. But it has always been a rule to declare the R. S., F. S., 
and B. of a new Lodge P. C.'s at the end of their term of office. 

Petitions to form a Lodge must be accompained by the writ- 
ten approval of the D. G. C. of the jurisdiction, whose duty it 
is to receive and forward all such applications. 

Should the D. G. C. approve any such applications contrary 
to the expressed desire of any Lodge already located, the Lodge 
objecting, shall file their protest over their seal. Said protest 
to be forwarded by the D. G. C. to the Supreme Lodge, and all 
action in the premises shall be stayed until the said protest is 
heard and acted upon. 

One Lodge cannot accept rejected material from another Lodge 
in the same locality, even after the six months' probation has 
expired, without the full consent of the Lodge rejecting. 

Members of the Order are positively forbidden to solicit citi- 
zens to join. 

A dispensation has been granted to elect and confer degrees 
in this jurisdiction upon candidates twenty years of age, pend- 
ing action of the Supreme Lodge at session of April, 1873. 

During the past term, several of our brethren have departed 
for other lands, and Oahu Lodge is represented by true and 
trusty Knights scattered along the Pacific coast of America, from 
British Columbia in the north to Peru in the south. Even in 
the icy northern seas are we represented by warm hearts and 
brave arms, who we trust will safely return to us in due time, 
laden with the rich spoils of the deep. 

Most of these brethren expressed, in departing, the kindest 
feeling towards our Lodge, desiring not to be forgotten in their 
absence and still remain on our roll as members in good standing. 

Other brethren have been abroad for a time, have visited sis- 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT- BO OK. 44 1 

ter Lodges in other countries, thereby gaining much information 
of value and have returned with an increased appreciation of 
our noble Order and its workings. 

Brethren : I congratulate you upon the prosperity of this 
Lodge, which has been so firmly planted as a beacon-light of 
our Order upon these isles of the sea. 

I congratulate you, that thus far our membership has been 
providentially spared by disease and death, and that among us 
prosperity and happiness have abounded. 

For the many blessings so bountifully bestowed, it becomes 
us to return thanks to the great Father who has vouchsafed them 
all. 

I now resign the gavel to my successor in office. In the vari- 
ous duties which I have been called upon to perform, I have had 
no beaten track to follow, and if I have at any time erred in 
judgment, or if my decisions have not at all times met your 
unanimous approval, rest assured, brethren, I have labored zeal- 
ously for one great purpose, and that, the good of the Order ; 
and I return you my sincere thanks for the kindly manner in 
which both officers and brethren have ever supported me, be- 
speaking for him whom you have chosen as my successor the 
same kindly consideration. 

Finally, brethren, ever keep in view the main objects for which 
we are banded together. Strive to illustrate at all times "how 
good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in 
unity." Our path of duty is plainly marked out ; let us endeavor 
not to stray from it. Remember, we are not alone in the 
labor of doing good. There are other organizations established 
in the land, united in the same cause of Friendship, Charity, 
and Benevolence. Let us, the youngest sister, vie with them 
in upholding Hawaii as a fair land where utter destitution is un- 
known, where honest poverty is no crime, where friendship and 
brotherly love are something more than an empty mockery, 
where the hand willing to labor need not want for bread, and 
where the widow and the orphan- may find every house and heart 
open to them in their time of need. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



JUSTUS H. RATHBONE, 
Founder of the Order of Knights of Pythias. 

IN the history of the Order of K. of P. the town of Deerfield, 
in Oneida county, N. Y., will be noted as a spot of great 
interest, for there, on the 29th of October, 1839, the founder 
of the Order first opened his eyes upon the world, to the 
alleviation of whose sorrows he was destined to contribute so 
large a share. His father, Justus Hull Rathbone, Esq., was a 
prominent lawyer in the city of Utica, and his mother, Sarah 
Elizabeth Dwight, who died March 20th, 1852, was a lineal 
descendant of Jonathan Edwards, and a member of the famous 
Dwight family of New England. 

The name first given to him was Henry Edwin Dwight, but in 
1849, by striking out Edwin Dwight, and prefixing the father's 
name, Justus, he received his present name, Justus Henry Rath- 
bone, a name which, to those who have the pleasure of knowing 
him, is synonymous with everything that is true and devoted in 
human nature. 

Arriving at the proper age, the subject of our sketch passed 
through the courses of instruction of Mount Vernon Boarding- 
School, Courtland Academy, Carlisle Seminary, and Madison 
University, prominent institutions of learning in his native State. 
Then the East growing too narrow for his expanding, restless 
mind, he went, in 1857, to Lake Superior, where he was engaged 
in teaching school at Eagle Harbor, Eagle River, the North- 
West, and Central Mines, and also for a time as assistant clerk 
of the latter mining company, 

At the breaking out of the war, he with others formed a com- 
pany of volunteers to join the then forming First Michigan Reg- 
iment. On account of some informality, however, the company 

442 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 443 

was not accepted by the Governor, but its members subsequently 
enlisted in other portions of the State. 

While in charge of the Eagle Harbor school, he became so 
impressed with the story of Damon and Pythias, and the noble 
self-sacrifice of Pythias, that he determined to do all in his 
power to induce men to follow an example so pure, generous, 
and true. The result of his study of the character was the ritual 
of the Order of the K. of P. — a ritual which has so taken hold of 
the hearts of men that, to-day, the growth of the Order is with- 
out parallel in the history of secret organizations. 

The death of his father, May, 1861, caused him to leave the 
Lake Superior country, and while on a visit to his only sister, 
Mrs. J. O. Pease, of Germantown, Pa., he received the offer 
and accepted the position of chief clerk of the U. S. hospital at 
that place. That position he filled until he entered the army, 
and was ordered to Washington, D. C., for duty in the Medical 
Department in 1863, where he remained until 1865, when he 
accepted a civil clerkship in the office of the Commissary-Gen- 
eral of Subsistence. In 1866 he resigned this position, however, 
accepting a clerkship in the Second Auditor's Office, Treasury 
Department, and in 1869 he resigned this also, and went to Bos- 
ton to fill a position in Stetson's Publishing House. There he 
remained until the Independent News Company of New York 
city was purchased by Mr. Stetson, when he was sent to that 
city as treasurer of the company, and was subsequently made its 
superintendent, filling the position until the company closed 
business. Soon thereafter he returned to Washington, and en- 
tered the War Department as clerk, where he now is in the Mil- 
itary Academy branch of the Secretary's office. 

Mr. Rathbone married, August nth, 1862, Miss Emma Louise 
Sanger, of Utica, N. Y. ; her father, Gerry Sanger, Esq., being 
an old resident of that place. Five children, three of whom, 
two boys and a girl, sank into an early grave, blessed their union ; 
the two remaining ones are lovely little girls of seven and nine 
years respectively, whose precociousness and childish excellence 
promise the perpetuation of the genius and beautiful character 
of their parents. 



444 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Mr. Rathbone is five feet ten and a half inches in height, 
weighs about 230 .pounds, has dark-brown hair and blue -gray 
eyes. Possessing fine natural abilities, joined to a thorough 
education, he is eminently valuable in any position he may 
assume, and now ranks as one of the very best clerks in the De- 
partment, being, aside from all else, a rapid as well as excellent 
penman. 

Besides the Ritual of the K. of P., he has written the Ritual 
of the S. P. K., the Monks of Arcadia, and the musical bur- 
lesque of "Pocahontas in Black," in the title role of which 
latter he has appeared on several occasions at amateur entertain- 
ments, and gained unbounded applause. Besides his literary 
talent, Mr. R. possesses a genius for music — composition as well 
as execution. He plays several instruments remarkably well, 
has composed some very meritorious pieces, and is, in the rendi- 
tion of ballads especially, one of the best and most admired 
singers ; his voice, although of tenor quality, being of such com- 
pass as to allow him to take any part whatever successfully. 

Being naturally unsuspicious and possessed of warm, strong 
feelings, Mr. R. was peculiarly liable to receive the hard blows 
an unsparing world deals to its unarmed citizens, and has conse- 
quently suffered intensely through ingratitude and deception 
during his checkered career. Still, his firm faith in the innate 
worth of mankind, and the final triumph of truth, has kept his 
heart warm and true, and his disposition unsoured ; and there is 
no man living to-day who is a more sincere, devoted friend, a 
more unselfish, self-sacrificing champion of the betrayed and 
maligned, or a more perfect embodiment of the noble principles 
of the Order he called into life, than Justus H. Rathbone, at 
present a member of Calanthe Lodge, No. 11, K. of P., Wash- 
ington, D. C. 

District of Columbia, \ 
Washington County, ) wU : 

The undersigned, who were present at the first reading of the 1st, 2d, and 
3d degrees of the Order of Knights of Pythias, which took place in the house 
No. 369, F Street, near the corner of 9th Street, in the city of Washington, 
D. C, on Monday evening the 15th of February, 1864, do make this their 




■•• ^ 



dft&l&Zet. </ rf/zznk7. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 445 

voluntary statement, to wit : That Justus Henry Rathbone, of the city of 
Washington and District of Columbia, is the sole and only originator and 
founder of the Order of Knights of Pythias, and that the work was complete 
when read to us as above ; that at the committee meetings, of which we were 
members, nothing was done except to re-read the work as originally prepared 
by said J. H. Rathbone, and endorse it, no change was made. Mr. Joel R. 
Woodruff suggested an addition to the third, or Knight degree, which was 
accepted ; said addition being now in use in another Order. The impression 
which prevails that Jos. T. K. Plant is the founder, or assistant founder, of the 
Order, is false in every particular. The only connection he had therewith 
was voluntarily offering the use of his parlor for the committee to hold their 
meetings therein. We further certify that the Ritual was prepared complete 
before J. T. K. Plant or Joel R. Woodruff had any connection with the Order, 
or were even spoken to in reference to joining Washington Lodge, No. 1, K. 
of P. [Signed,] D.L.Burnett, 

[Signed,] W. H. Burnett, 
[Signed,] E. S. Kimball, M. D. 
[Signed,] Robert A. Champion. 

Sworn and subscribed before me this 6th day of March, A. D., 1869. 

[Signed,] T. Drury, J. P. 

CLERK'S CERTIFICATE. 

District of Columbia, to wit : 

I, R. J. Meigs, Clerk of the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia, 
hereby certify that Terence Drury, whose genuine signature is subscribed to 
the foregoing certificate of oath, was at the time of signing and attesting the 
same, a Justice of the Peace for said District, duly commissioned and quali- 
fied, authorized to take acknowledgments, and to administer oaths; and that 
his attestation thereto is according to law. 

Witness my hand and the seal of said Court this 6th day of March, 1869. 
<-*—> . [Signed,] R. J. Meigs, Clerk. 

< SEAL I 




HON. S. S. DAVIS, 

Supreme Chancellor of the World. 

THE executive head of our Order was born on the 14th day 
of October, 1826, at Dunstable, Massachusetts. He re- 
mained at home with his parents on a farm until he was 
seventeen years old. 
38 



446 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

In 1844 his father died, leaving a large family, and the subject 
hereof being the oldest but one, left home and went to Nashua, 
N. H., and has continued to reside there ever since. He has a 
thorough academic education, and was fitted for the mercantile 
business in a commercial college in Boston, Mass. A part of his 
early life was spent in teaching in the city of Nashua ; afterwards 
learning a trade, when he entered the counting-room of his em- 
ployer as bookkeeper, where two hundred men were employed. 
After serving in that capacity for seven years, failing health ad- 
monished him that a change of business was necessary, requiring 
less confinement. 

He was elected superintendent of a heavy manufacturing cor- 
poration, and served for several years in that position. Upon 
resigning the last-named place, he was employed as bookkeeper 
for a corporation in Boston, Mass., but still kept his residence at 
Nashua. During the time he was thus employed, he travelled 
extensively in the Middle, Western, and Southern States, adjust- 
ing the accounts of the corporation. 

In 1858 he returned to Nashua and engaged in manufacturing 
until the commencement of the rebellion, when he entered the 
naval service as paymaster, and remained therein until Decem- 
ber 12, 1865, when, upon a satisfactory settlement of his ac- 
counts with the Government, he applied for and received an 
honorable discharge. In 1866 Supreme Chancellor Davis travel- 
led extensively over the country for another firm, and in 1867 
purchased a manufacturing business, which he is still engaged in. 

His life has been an unusually active one, and his great influ- 
ence has always been on the side of truth, justice, and humanity. 
His worth and talents have been recognized by his compeers in 
calling him to fill responsible positions in the city government, 
and his appointment by the Governor of New Hampshire as one 
of his staff, with the rank of colonel. For over twenty years 
he has been connected with the Masonic fraternity. 

In 1848 he was initiated into Granite Lodge, No. 1, I. O. 
O. F., and soon became identified with all its interests, being 
elected three times their presiding officer, and entering the Grand 
Lodge of New Hampshire in 1853, was elected Grand Master in 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 447 

1857. His promotion was rapid in that Order, as the same year 
he was elected a Grand Representative from the Grand Encamp- 
ment of New Hampshire to the Grand Lodge of the United 
States. He has indelibly impressed his genius and learning on 
the legislation of these Grand bodies, having drafted the present 
constitutions of the Grand and Subordinate Lodges and Grand 
and Subordinate Encampments of his State. Our brother was 
elected a Representative by the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire 
in 1867 to the Grand Lodge of the United States, making in all 
four years service as Grand Representative. 

He was made a Knight in June, 1870, and was present at the 
organization of the Grand Lodge Knights of Pythias of New 
Hampshire, on the 20th day of October of the same year. He 
was elected the first Grand Chancellor of that Grand Jurisdic- 
tion, serving until the first annual session in February, 1871, 
when he was re-elected, and served another full year. At the 
close of his official term, the Grand Lodge was entirely free from 
debt, with an ample supply of everything necessary in the pros- 
ecution of its business, and the number of Subordinate Lodges 
was doubled. 

He took his seat as a Representative in the Supreme Lodge 
of the World at its third annual session at Philadelphia, on the 
1 8th day of April, 1871, and has been present at every session 
of that honorable body since. 

In 1872, the subject of this sketch was elected Supreme Vice 
Chancellor, serving two years, and at the sixth annual session, 
held at Pittsburg, in 1874, was elected and duly installed Su- 
preme Chancellor. The two years' service as Supreme Chancel- 
lor was a fearful struggle with debt, loss of confidence in the 
Supreme Lodge and its officers by the members generally, and 
dissensions everywhere, menaced the very existence of the Order. 
Our chief magistrate stood firm amidst these terrible ordeals, and 
to-day the Supreme Lodge is free from all pecuniary embarrass- 
ments, confidence is fully restored, and the future is spanned by 
the rainbow of hope. 

For the past two years, he has devoted almost his entire time 
to the upbuilding of our illustrious Order, having visited twenty- 



443 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

seven Grand Jurisdictions. As an evidence of the confidence 
and trust reposed in him by the representative men of the Or- 
der, he was re-elected Supreme Chancellor at the eighth annual 
session of the Supreme Lodge of the World, held at Independence 
Hall, in Philadelphia, in August, 1876. By his unswerving 
fidelity to the great principles that underlie the Pythian temple, 
his unwearied vigilance and untiring industry, he has brought 
order out of chaos, and earned the lasting gratitude of true 
Knights of every nation, age, and clime. In his daily inter- 
course with men he illustrates and exemplifies the beautiful and 
impressive lessons of the Ritual — measuring men not by their 
wealth, but by their moral worth. From the high behests of 
duty and conscience he has shown no variableness or shadow of 
turning. 

" Rugged strength and radiant beauty — 

These were one in nature's plan ; 
Humble toil and heavenward duty — 

These will form the perfect man." 

His life is characterized by temperance, simplicity, and earnest 
devotion to duty. 

" His life was gentle ; and the elements 
So mixed in him, that nature might stand up 
And say to all the world, — This is a man ! " 



WILLIAM L. LA ROSE, 
Past Grand. Chancellor and Supreme Representative. 

WM. L. LA ROSE was initiated in California Lodge, No. 1, 
K. of P., in San Francisco, Cal., in 1869, and immedi- 
ately, with others, proceeded to organize "Our" Lodge, 
No. 5, in the same place, then in the twenty-sixth year of his age. 
That he became at once an active and useful member of that 
Lodge, may be inferred from the fact that the same night of its 
institution he was appointed Guide, and three meeting nights 
after was elected a P. C. in order to form a Grand Lodge, the 




•jfl. Jk/fyu. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 449 

Lodge being entitled to elect three, and in four months more, 
the 28th of September, 1869, was one of the founders of the 
Grand Lodge K. of P. of California. One year from this, on 
the evening of July 13th, by the vote of the Grand Lodge, he 
was elected a P. G. C. On February 6th, 1873, ne was elected 
as the Supreme Representative of the Grand Lodge of California, 
and attended the stormy session held in Richmond, Virginia, 
when the Pennsylvania matter was up for consideration, and took 
part in all the legislation of that session. 

He has, and still is, taking an active part in all the reform 
measures in his State Grand Lodge and in the Supreme Lodge ; 
but more particularly in the question of relief, and systematizing 
the same in the most practical form. 

He is the author of the "Bureau of Relief" scheme, now 
in successful operation in California, and which, after reference 
to a Grand Lodge committee, through discussion and explana- 
tion, was adopted in open Grand Lodge of California, in Sacra- 
mento, 1873. He identified himself with his work, became a 
delegate to the " Bureau" for two years, and for one year was 
its President. Here he found genial associates and co-workers 
in the young, active, and enthusiastic members who were dele- 
gates from other Lodges, and the Bureau system stands as a monu- 
ment to his name in the 'Order, and a system, that has never been 
equalled in this or any other Order, thoroughly engrafted and 
organized. His highest wish is to see it adopted by all other 
jurisdictions, that all brothers may participate in its usefulness 
and its benefits. 

So far as the Knights are concerned, he is a self-made man. 
His Lodge recognizes his usefulness, as he is the only founder 
of his Grand Lodge who has ever and always been re-elected a 
Grand Representative, and never missed attending a session with 
all and full rights. He is very decided and set in his opinions. 
He rarely seeks advice, and those who have passed their criticisms 
upon him have never gained much from their efforts. His men- 
tal independence and moral courage are alike uncompromising. 
It is his rule, his policy, his religion, to follow the promptings 
and conclusions of his own mind, and to do and say what he 
himself thinks proper and right. 
38* 2D 



450 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

He is still an active member of his subordinate Lodge, whose 
chair as presiding officer he has so often filled. His name is most 
honorably recorded on nearly every leaf of the journal of his 
Grand Lodge, and may he long live to continue with us, is the 
prayer of the one who writes this and who is his friend. 



M. H. MeNARY, 
Deputy Supreme Chancellor. 

DS. C. M. H. MeNARY, one of the highly esteemed and re- 
spected young men of Denver, Col., was born at New Cas- 
tle, Ireland, May ist, 1848. When two years of age his 
parents came to this country, locating at Louisville, Kentucky. 
At seven years of age he lost his father, when his mother and 
family removed to Lafayette, Indiana. 

At the age of fifteen his mother apprenticed him to learn the 
cabinet trade, which he followed four years, or until his health 
failed him. During this time his mother was taken away, which 
left him without means and a shattered constitution. 

Being energetic, he started, a mere boy, to contend with the 
stern realities and difficulties of this life, and after wandering 
around landed in Chicago, where, after a considerable difficulty, 
he succeeded in attaining a situation as salesman in the firm of 
Field, Leiter & Co., where he remained about eight months. Ac- 
tuated by ambition and a curiosity to see the West, he started 
for Kansas City, and, after arriving, succeeded in getting a situa- 
tion as clerk in the Pacific Hotel, where he remained two years. 
Still having a desire to see more of the West, he started for Den- 
ver, Col., where he arrived May 19th, 1871, and soon obtained 
a position as a salesman in the wholesale and retail tobacco 
house of H. J. Brendlinger, where he still remains. He has 
ever proved himself an upright and industrious young man, gain- 
ing the confidence and esteem of all who are acquainted with 
him for his energy and moral habits. He joined the Order of 
Knights of Pythias in July, 1872, as a charter member of Col- 
orado Lodge, No. 1. 




fy&UJcnsdk 



I^A. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 45 I 

He received his commission as D. S. C. September, 1875, an d 
was made P. G. C. in May, 1876, being only twenty-eight years 
of age. There are few who have won such laurels, and none who 
have done more with the same advantages. 



DAVID ROYAL, 

Past Chancellor. 



DAVID ROYAL, P. C, was born in Bridgeton, New Jersey, 
but removed with his parents when five years old to Wilming. 
ton, Delaware, where he has resided for more than twenty- 
five years. He is an architect and builder, and has been in the 
employ of the Delaware Car Works for nearly eight years. Was 
a charter member of Lafayette Lodge, No. 2, K. of P., which 
was instituted at Wilmington, Del., in 1868. 

He served in the Union army for the suppression of the re- 
bellion, and removed to Minnesota in the spring of 1869, and 
located in the beautiful city of Minneapolis. He nobly seconded 
the efforts of Bro. Heisser in organizing Minneapolis Lodge, No. 
1, K. of P., was a charter member of said Lodge, and elected 
its first Chancellor Commander. 

At the organization of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota, he 
was the Representative of No. 1, and was re-elected several 
times thereafter to this responsible position. He was for a long 
time correspondent for several Pythian journals, always manifest- 
ing a strong devotion to the principles of the Order, and enjoys 
the respect and confidence of the Knights, with whom he is 
identified. 

DAVID BENJAMIN WOODRUFF, 
Supreme Vice Chancellor. 

DAVID BENJAMIN WOODRUFF, the present Supreme 
Vice Chancellor, was born on the 23d day of April, 1829, 
at Orange, New Haven county, Connecticut. His early 
life was spent amid the quiet of a New England farmer's home, 



452 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

where David worked upon the farm during the summer months, 
and attended the village school in the winter, receiving only a 
common-school education. Losing his father at an early age, 
he was left with but one natural protector, upon whom devolved 
the care of rearing and educating a large family, and David was 
placed with a neighboring farmer, through whose kindness he 
enjoyed a good home, continuing his winter studies, and being 
enabled to take two terms in an Eastern academy. 

At the age of sixteen he was entered as an apprentice with a 
carpenter and builder in the city of New Haven, Ct. Prior to 
this date, his opportunities to learn or know much of the world 
had been very limited, but his keen observation soon pointed 
him to the world as a "stage," and the men and women upon it 
the "players," and under this conviction he determined to fit 
himself for any cast in the play that might be assigned him. 
He connected himself at once with a night-school, where all the 
English branches were taught, and had the benefit of the library 
of a mechanical Lyceum Association, which he laid under heavy 
contribution, and all the hours spared from plodding labor were 
spent in study, and it was during his apprenticeship that a char- 
acter was formed which stamps him as a self-made man. 

In the fall of 1849 ne purchased from his employer the unex- 
pired term of his apprenticeship, and embarked for California, but 
returned in 1851, making the tour of the South American States. 

In 1854 he moved to Georgia, and commenced a successful 
business as a contractor and builder, erecting a large planing- 
mill and manufactory, for the purpose of facilitating his business. 
Upon the breaking out of the late war between the States, Mr. 
Woodruff at once took sides with his adopted State, and entered 
the service in April, 1861, and was ordered to Virginia, which 
soon became the great theatre of hostilities. At the close of 
the war he was financially ruined, but again took to his trade 
and contracting, but soon abandoned it, however, for the practice 
of architecture, which profession he has since followed. 

For many years he has been associated with Odd-Fellowship, 
and from the time of his initiation into the Order to the present 
he has been a faithful worker, and with untiring zeal has endeav- 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 453 

ored to practise and co-operate with every member of the 
Order, in illustrating the genius of Odd-Fellowship, and extend- 
ing its domain. 

In April, 1870, he was initiated into the Order Knights of Pyth- 
ias, as a charter member of "Central City" Lodge, No. 3, at 
Macon, Ga., and was elected its first C. C. 

Sept. 1st, 1870, he was commissioned by Supreme Chancellor 
Samuel Read as Deputy Grand Chancellor for the States of 
Georgia and Florida, and his official report will be found on 
page 326 of the Supreme Lodge Journal. 

At the organization of the Grand Lodge of Georgia, the fol- 
lowing March, 187 1, he was chosen as Grand Chancellor, to pre- 
side over its destinies, and elected Representative to the Supreme 
Lodge, where he appeared at the session - of that body in April 
of the same year. He was appointed by the Supreme Chancellor 
one of the committee to whom the annual reports of the S. C. 
and S. R. and C. S. were referred for subdivision and distribution 
to appropriate committees, also chairman of the special committee 
of seven on the subject of conclaves, and the troubles growing 
out of it in the jurisdiction of Maryland and elsewhere. 

At the fourth annual session of that body, held in Baltimore, 
1872, he was again returned by his State as Representative for 
two years, and received a very flattering vote in the election for 
Supreme Banker, and was appointed chairman of the committee 
of "Finance and Mileage" for 1873 bv Su P- Chan. Berry, and 
re-appointed for 1874 by the same officer. At the election of 
officers of the Supreme Lodge in sixth annual session, he was 
elected Supreme Vice Chancellor, and re-elected at the eighth 
annual session, in which position he is held in high esteem by 
his many friends, and his hearty co-operation with Supreme 
Chancellor Davis, in his field of labor, has been gratefully ac- 
knowledged by that officer. 

In his own jurisdiction he was twice re-elected Grand Chan- 
cellor, and at the present time is G. K. of R. & S., while in his 
subordinate Lodge he is always in harness, and submits cheer- 
fully to the duties imposed. 

Social in his instincts, warm in his attachments, firm in his 



454 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

friendships, and humane in his disposition, he is never so happy 
as when surrounded by kindred spirits, seeking the advancement 
of his Orders, and testing practically the strength and power 
of those heaven-born principles which underlie all the humane 
institutions of the present day. Bro. Woodruff is a bold, inde- 
pendent thinker, a ready writer, and gifted speaker, and has 
often appeared in the role of orator upon the anniversary days 
of Odd-Fellowship, and demonstrations of our Order, Knights 
of Pythias. 



WILL T. WALKER. 

THE father of the subject of this sketch, Brother Robert Walk- 
er, was born in Clinton county, Ohio, on the ioth of March, 
1824, but has been a resident of Indiana since he attained 
the age of six years. He is a farmer, and a resident of Scotts- 
burg, Scott county, having moved to that county in 187 1, from 
Hancock county, where he had resided since his boyhood days. 
He is a highly respected and influential citizen, and has always 
been found advocating every movement calculated to advance 
the best interests of the country. He became one of the charter 
members of Scott Lodge, No. 59, K. of P., on the 19th of March, 
1875, an d is recognized as a valued member of the Order, and a 
faithful attendant upon all the meetings of his Lodge. 

Our subject was born on the 17th of October, 1849, m Han- 
cock county, Indiana. At an early age he commenced work on 
his father's farm, attending the district schools during the winter 
season, and during his early school-days he evinced a talent for 
some other calling than that of a farmer ; was never satisfied 
when following the monotonous daily rounds of farm life, but 
when engaged with his books was oblivious to all around him. 
At the early age of seventeen he commenced his career as a 
teacher in the common schools, teaching during the winter season 
and attending the academy located at Spiceland during the re- 
mainder of the year. This course was continued until 1870, 
when he commenced the study of the law, but not long after- 
wards abandoned the idea of the law, and returned to the farm. 




Ttat . f. yunJkt*. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 455 

Soon we again find him in the school-room. At the close of his 
school in 1872, he located at Greenfield, the county-seai of his 
native county, and was soon afterwards tendered a position in the 
post-office at that place, and for several months had entire con- 
trol of the office, discharging his duties in a very creditable man- 
ner. During his connection with the post-office, he exercised 
the functions of city editor of the Greenfield Commercial. This 
was the foundation of his career as a journalist, a profession to 
which he is now very warmly attached. In the autumn of 1872 
he accepted a position as a teacher in the public schools of Green- 
field, and discharged his duties in a highly satisfactory manner. 
He occupied a prominent position among his fellow-teachers, 
and for a long time was an honored member and President of 
the County Teachers' Association. 

At an early age he manifested a great interest in the political 
affairs of the country, and was recognized as an influential worker, 
especially among the young men. As a reward for his efficient 
services during the campaign of 1872, he was tendered a position 
as a clerk in the Senate of the General Assembly. He discharged 
his duties in a highly creditable manner, and by his strict atten- 
tion to business and his genial manners, he won the confidence 
and esteem of many of the most influential public men of the 
State. After the adjournment of the Senate, he spent some time 
in the employ of the Attorney-General of Indiana. Again, in 
1875, ne served as a clerk in the Senate. 

In June, 1872, he met, for the first time, the handsome and 
accomplished Miss Kate Pierson, an orphan girl of Greenfield. 
From the beginning of their acquaintance they were devoted 
friends, and the friendship soon ripened into the purest type of 
love, and on the 3d of December, 1873, tnev were married, and 
lived happily together. On the 6th of October, 1874, their union 
was blessed with the birth of a son, Robert Elmer. On the 17th 
of the same month the death of Mrs. Walker occurred, and on 
6th of the following month Bro. Walker w?s summoned to the 
side of his dying child, and he soon saw the grave close over the 
remains of his child, leaving him now almost heart-broken and 
alone. 



45 6 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

During the autumn of 1873 ne na( ^ assumed control of the 
Fortville (Ind.) Graded Schools. At the close of the term, in 
the spring of 1874, he returned to Greenfield and became one 
of the editors and publishers of the Greenfield News, and soon 
after had entire control of the paper, conducting it in a successful 
manner. In December, of the same year, owing to a series of 
unfortunate circumstances, the principal one being the sad be- 
reavement of his wife and child, he was induced to sever his con- 
nection with the News, and located at Indianapolis, engaging in 
the insurance business, devoting a portion of his time to the 
interests of the Pythian Journal, which was established in Janu- 
ary, 1875. I n December, of the same year, he assumed entire 
editorial control of the Journal, and has succeeded in placing it 
in the front rank of publications of its class. 

His connection with the Order of Knights of Pythias dates 
from March 14th, 1872, when he was admitted as a member of 
Eureka Lodge, No. 20, located at Greenfield, and was soon rec- 
ognized as an active, earnest, and zealous worker in the Pythian 
cause. He was honored with various official positions in the 
Lodge, and in July, 1874, having regularly passed the chairs, he 
was admitted to the Grand Lodge as a Past Chancellor and Rep- 
resentative, and was appointed a member of the committee on 
Subordinate Lodge Constitutions and By-Laws, and held the 
position for three successive sessions of the Grand Lodge ; also 
serving on the special committee on revision of the laws. 

In December, 1874, he withdrew from Eureka Lodge, No. 
20, and became one of the charter members of Indianapolis 
Lodge, No. 56. He always attends the meetings of his Lodge, 
when in the city ; has attended every session of the Grand Lodge 
since he became a member of that body, and at the January, 
1876, session, his name was presented by some over-partial friends 
as a candidate for the position of Grand Prelate, but was defeat- 
ed by one of more mature years and of vast experience in society 
matters. 

He was business manager of the Pythian Journal 'in May, 1875, 
and assumed editorial control in December of the same year, 
and had entire control until July, 1876, when he retired and 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 4$7 

engaged in the great political contest in Indiana, by publishing 
the Scottsburg Republican, and in discussing the vexed political 
issues from the rostrum. 

He is a forcible writer, and entertaining, pleasing speaker, and 
it is safe to predict for him higher honors in the not far distant 
future. Bro. Walker was admitted to the Scott county bar at the 
November term, 1876, of the Circuit Court of Scott county, 
Indiana. 



N. C. POTTER, 

Grand. Keeper of Records and Seal, 

WAS born September 2 2d, 1842, about nine miles north of 
Richmond, Indiana. He was raised as a farmer boy, be- 
ing put to work at an early age, and when eleven years of 
age could perform as much work as most ordinary hands in every 
department of farming, and was of great assistance in helping 
his father clear and cultivate a beautiful farm from an unbroken 
forest. When fifteen years of age his father died, leaving him 
the oldest of seven children — four sisters and two young brothers. 
The burden of carrying on the farm work devolved principally 
on him, and he carried it on successfully for three years almost 
alone. When scarcely eighteen years of age the war of the re- 
bellion broke upon the country, and he was among the first to 
enlist in the army of the Union to defend the rights of our glori- 
ous and independent republican government, where he served 
faithfully a little over four years, most of the time in the rank 
and file of his gallant old regiment, the Eighth Indiana Infantry. 
After the close of the war he came to Indianapolis and attended 
school a year and a half, and then entered into the insurance 
business, in which he has occupied various positions of trust, 
since the year 1867. He was among the first to join the Pythian 
army when the Order was organized in this State, and was elected 
Grand Keeper of Records and Seal at the January, 1874, session 
of the Grand Lodge, which position he assumed with the treas- 
ury of the Grand Lodge depleted, the Grand Lodge in debt and 
39 



458 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

everything in a demoralized condition. At the first semi-annual 
session, after assuming the office, his report showed the machinery 
of the Grand Lodge in good running order, the debts all paid, 
and about thirteen hundred dollars in the treasury. At the an- 
nual session of January, 1875, ar >d again at the annual session 
of January, 1876, he was unanimously re-elected to the office. 

He was married in the month of May, 1869, and has two 
bright young Knights, which we hope will become as faithful 
Knights as the subject of this sketch. 



S. P. OYLER, 
Supreme Representative from Indiana, 

IS a fair specimen of the true Knight of Pythias, one to whom 
the Order in this jurisdiction is much indebted, and one whom 
the membership have delighted to honor from his earliest 
connection with the Order, which dates from the 23d of Novem- 
ber, 1870, when he was initiated at the organization of Hespe- 
rian Lodge, No. 12, at the city of Franklin, Indiana. He was 
one of the original petitioners, and a charter member of the 
Lodge. He was the first Chancellor Commander of his Lodge, 
and was admitted to the Grand Lodge as a Past Chancellor and 
Representative at the July, 1871, session of that body. From 
that time to the present there has not been a session of that body 
that has not found him at his place, laboring zealously for the 
good of the Order and for the welfare of the fraternity. Dur- 
ing the first session that he attended the Grand Lodge he was 
assigned to a place on the Committee on Laws and Supervision, 
and he has held the position until the present time, excepting 
during 1872 and 1873, while holding the positions of Grand 
Vice Chancellor and Grand Chancellor of this jurisdiction. At 
the close of his term as Grand Chancellor, he was elected Su- 
preme Representative for Indiana, and at the Pittsburg session 
of the Supreme Lodge was fully recognized as a valued and work- 
ing member of that body. At the session of the Supreme Lodge 




cyhtA^J^/lti 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 459 

held at Washington city, in May, 1875, ne was chairman of the 
Committee on the State of the Order, and a glance at the jour- 
nal of proceedings of that session will show the amount of work 
performed by him in that relation. At the last session of the 
Grand Lodge of Indiana, held at the city of Richmond, the 
membership of that body showed their high appreciation of him 
by re-electing him Supreme Representative for this jurisdiction 
by a unanimous vote. We are inclined to the belief that higher 
honors await him in the Order. 

Of his earlier life we know but little, and will only say we 
learn the date of his advent into the world to be August 26th, 
1 819, being now in the fifty-seventh year of his age. Judging 
from his appearance and capacity for work his friends and ac- 
quaintances would take him to be at least ten years younger. 
By profession he is a lawyer, and has an extensive practice in 
Central Indiana. Has served his country in the army and in civil 
life ; was a colonel in the army ; has been State Senator and Judge 
of the Circuit Court. 

To say the least of him, Bro. Oyler is an earnest and zealous 
worker in the Pythian cause, and in every sense a lover of our 
Order. 



H. H. MORRISON, 

Supreme Representative from Indiana, 

WAS born October 29th, 1826, in Ross county, Ohio. No- 
vember 1 st, 1844, settled in Boone county, Indiana. He 
spent the earlier years of his life on a farm. Twenty- 
one years ago he acquired the profession of a dentist, and began 
practice in Greencastle, and continued the practice until April 
1st, 1875, at which time he was compelled to give up the busi- 
ness on account of an injury sustained on the night of October 
28th, 1874, when the fire-fiend was raging in that city. He be- 
came one of the charter members of Eagle Lodge, No. 16, 
Knights of Pythias, on November 18th, 1871, and was the first 
Chancellor Commander of the Lodge. Represented his Lodge 



460 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

at the annual session of the Grand Lodge, held at Indianapolis, 
in January, 1872, and at the same session was appointed Grand 
Master-at-Arms. At the annual session, January, 1873, was 
elected to the station of Grand Vice Chancellor, and at the next 
annual session was elected Grand Chancellor, in which capacity 
he served for one year. At the expiration of his term of office 
as Grand Chancellor he was elected Supreme Representative to 
serve for two years. Bro. Morrison has always proved himself a 
faithful and earnest worker in the Pythian cause. 



HON. ERIE J. LEECH, 
Past Grand Chancellor and Supreme Representative. 

OUR brother was born in Erie county, New York, in July, 
1826, his parents moving to Ohio in 1828, and settled on 
the Western Reserve, and resided there until 1849. He 
was the recipient of a very liberal education at one of the best 
academies in Northern Ohio, the Rev. Samuel Bissell, a Presby- 
terian clergyman, being his tutor for a number of years. 

In the fall of 1850 the subject of this sketch removed to Iowa, 
and settled in the city of Fort Madison, and in September, 185 1, 
was appointed Deputy County Recorder and Treasurer of Lee 
county, Iowa ; and in August following, was appointed Deputy 
Clerk of the District Court of said county, serving in that capac- 
ity at Fort Madison until the spring of 1854, when he was sent 
to Keokuk to take charge of the office in the latter city. In 
August, 1855, there was a vacancy in the office of the Clerk of 
the District Court, and Hon. Edward Johnstone, then county 
Judge of Lee county, conferred the appointment on him, with- 
out any solicitation on his part or that of his friends. He was 
elected to said position four successive times, remaining in the 
office until January 1st, 1863. Was County Supervisor, to fill 
vacancy, part of one term, and was thereafter appointed Deputy 
Clerk of the United States District Court, which place he now 
holds. It is the judgment of all that he has filled these various 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 46 1 

places of trust and honor faithfully, impartially, and with marked 
ability, commanding the confidence and esteem of his fellow- 
countrymen, irrespective of sect or party. 

Hon. Erie J. Leech was initiated into the mysteries of Odd- 
Fellowship in October, 1854, passed all the chairs, and in 1857 
was elected a Grand Representative to the Grand Lodge of Iowa, 
I. O. O. F., just three years after his initiation. In 1859 was 
elected Deputy Grand Master, and in i860 was elected and 
duly installed as Grand Master of this Grand Jurisdiction. In 
1 86 1 he was elected Grand Representative to the Right Worthy 
Grand Lodge of the United States, taking his seat in that illus- 
trious and dignified body in 1862, and has been re-elected to 
that highly honorable position seven times, and is still a mem- 
ber, being the oldest representative in consecutive service. He 
has been a faithful, zealous, and efficient worker in that greatest 
charitable Order on earth, and by an exemplary, upright, and 
consistent life, has richly earned the high rank he has attained. 

The records of this Grand Jurisdiction and of the Right Wor- 
thy Grand Lodge of the United States, attest the fact of his de- 
votion to the beautiful lessons of our Ritual, and show how ably 
and earnestly he has struggled for their universal dominion. We 
believe the time is not far distant when his labors and sacrifices 
will be fully recognized, by his election to the Most Worthy 
Grand Sireship of the Order, for at the last session of the Grand- 
Lodge United States, he was nominated for Deputy Grand Sire, 
and was defeated by a few votes. 

In September, 1869, he was made a Knight at San Francisco, 
California, by Past Supreme Chancellor Samuel Read. On his 
arrival at home he organized a Lodge in the city of Keokuk, 
and was elected Venerable Patriarch. He was present at the 
formation of the Grand Lodge Knights of Pythias of Iowa, on 
July 4, 1870, at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and was there elected and 
installed as the first Venerable Grand Patriarch, and became a 
Past Grand Chancellor. Our brother was also elected one of 
the three Supreme Representatives to the Supreme Lodge of the 
World ; but owing to the financial embarrassments of the Grand 
Lodge, he did not attend the session of the Supreme Lodge. 

39* 



462 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Was again, in 1874, elected a Supreme Representative, and at- 
tended the session of the Supreme Lodge of the World at Pitts- 
burg, Pennsylvania. He was appointed chairman of a commit- 
tee to prepare rules for the body under the new constitution 
adopted at that session, and in the formation of which he took 
a very active part. He was also appointed by the Supreme 
Chancellor of the World chairman of the committee on the state 
of the Order, but owing to a pressure of business matters, could 
not attend the session of the Supreme Lodge in 1875, at Wash- 
ington, D. C. His membership is with Gem City Lodge, No. 
21, K. of P., at Fort Madison, Iowa. 

He is a lawyer by profession, but the greater part of his busi- 
ness life has been passed in the courts as clerk; but in the 
hurry and excitement of pressing official duties, he has found 
time to prepare and deliver a large number of excellent addresses 
upon Odd-Fellowship. In his daily walk before men he exem- 
plifies the cardinal doctrines of both Orders, and has always 
maintained an unsullied character in his personal and official 
relations. 



H. W. DODD, 
Deputy Grand Chancellor of Iowa. 

OUR brother was born at Marysville, Union county, Ohio, in 
the year 1847, an d is, therefore, twenty-nine years old. He 
is the eldest child of Isaac J. and Mary Dodd, who are 
now citizens of Fort Madison, Iowa. 

In the fall of 1853 he removed, with his parents, to Oskaloosa, 
Iowa, where he was educated. He read law in the office of the 
late Hon. Jno. R. Needham, was admitted to the bar, and was 
engaged in the practice of this highly honorable profession for 
nearly five years. 

On the 6th day of June, 1871, he was married to Ada M., 
eldest daughter of Dr. B. G. Neal, of Columbus city, Iowa, and 
in January, 1873, removed to the city of Fort Madison, being 
of the firm of Geo. H. Schafer & Co., wholesale druggists and 
manufacturing pharmacists. He has recently purchased an in- 




Jots^^ 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 463 

terest in the Fort Madison Plain Dealer, and is one of the 
founders of The Knight's Sword and Helmet. 

He became associated with the Knights of Pythias in the 
autumn of 1874, and is a member of Gem City Lodge, No. 21, 
K. of P., of Iowa. He served as Deputy Grand Chancellor of 
the Grand Jurisdiction of Iowa during the administration of the 
author of this work, and during said term instituted and assisted 
in organizing six Lodges. At the seventh annual session of the 
Grand Lodge of Iowa, held in the city of Mount Pleasant, Iowa, 
on the 8th and 9th days of February, 1876, he was duly elected 
special Deputy Grand Chancellor, and is now acting in that capac- 
ity, and takes a deep interest in all that pertains to the welfare 
of our beloved Order. He is an excellent business man, an 
active, zealous, and effective worker in the grand cause, and 
bids fair to win brighter laurels in this great work of fraternizing 
the world. 






HOMER D. COPE. 

IT is fit that in a work like this we should commend to the 
Knighthood the sublime lessons of purity and fidelity con- 
tained in the dramatized story of Damon and Pythias. 

Homer D. Cope was born on the 12th day of February, 1854, 
in the village of La Gro, Wabash county, Indiana, of parents 
who may rightfully claim a lineage of honorable distinction. 
When he was two years old his father, Samuel J. Cope, took him 
to Iowa, a youthful pioneer in the westward march of civiliza- 
tion, as he is now a noble pioneer in leading, by his rendition 
of Damon and Pythias, to the better understanding of God's no- 
blest work — an honest man. 

His mother inspired her children with a noble ambition to 
excel in school, and young Homer was kept at the head of his 
class until, at the age of thirteen, he was placed in a wholesale 
mercantile house at Des Moines, there to learn the art of self- 
reliance, which he nobly did by providing in six years' clerk- 
ship the means for a three years' course of study in the literary 
department of the Iowa State University. Having acquired a 
taste for general reading, and the habit of close application to 



464 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

study, his advancement in college was rapid, and his prominence 
speedily attained. Having accomplished his course of study in 
the University, his little store of wealth was exhausted by the 
greater treasure acquired, and the latter must now be turned to 
practical use. Whatever diffidence, natural to one so young, was 
at first experienced, was speedily overcome by the self-reliance in 
which he was schooled, and he appeared in public, giving hu- 
morous and dramatic readings and personations. Of his appear- 
ance in the Opera House at Des Moines, the Iowa State Register, 
of April 5 th, 1876, said: 

" A large audience greeted Homer D. Cope last evening. . . . Mr. Cope 
is well adapted to succeed before an American audience. He has no man- 
nerism ; copies slavishly after no master ; but his style, like the eloquence of 
Grattan, is free, bold, peculiar, original. The spirit of his rendition is that of 
Western earnestness — unique and bracing as a prairie breeze coming up 
from the Mississippi. . . . He came, saw, conquered ; and his triumph was 
well deserved and fairly won." 

The Clinton (Iowa) Herald says this of Mr. Cope's appear- 
ance there : 

" At the Opera House last evening occurred the readings of Homer D. 
Cope, and to say that he gave satisfaction, but poorly expresses the truth. 
The oft-repeated applause and the murmurs of approbation gave the best 
idea of the pleasure which he afforded his hearers. Mr. Cope has won for 
himself an enviable reputation wherever he has appeared, as his many re- 
engagements bear ample testimony. His effort last evening furnished abun- 
dant proof that his ability has not been too highly rated." 

The Lecture Committee at Lyons, Iowa, through Mr. J. C. 
Root, its chairman, tender testimonial. as follows: 

" Mr. Cope appeared in the Lecture Course last night, and the one previ- 
ous. No special efforts wei"e made in the way of advertising beyond the 
usual posters and through the local papers. But his appearance here last 
season awakened such an enthusiasm, that his first evening this season was the 
occasion for a perfect rush. The house was crowded, and all the stand- 
ing room taken. His third appearance (second this season) was also a 
grand success." 

It is to some purpose that Mr. Cope's interest in and ad- 
miration for Banim's beautiful play of Damon and Pythias led 
him to make this play a special study. With all the power of 




O^r 




COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 46$ 

eloquence, and in the eloquence of true and noble manhood, 
Mr. Cope presents the characters of the play to his audiences, 
drawing open wide the fountain of tears and planting deep the 
lessons of the play. 

After Mr. Cope's rendition of the play before Myrtle Lodge, 
No. 9, at Des Moines, the dramatic editor of the Iowa State 
Leader wrote a criticism, from which we make the following 
extract : 

" A fine audience again assembled last evening to listen to the rendition 
of the tragedy of Damon and Pythias, by Homer D. Cope. He seems to 
have entered into the spirit of the drama with his whole soul and all his 
powers. To natural talent he has added a degree of culture, severe and ex- 
acting, which has fitted him fully for this difficult task. His command over 
his voice is something marvellous, and his personation and attitude show that 
he has in him the power of the actor, as well as the gift of the elocutionist. 
The tragedy is expressive of the passions of hatred, fear, loathing, love, and 
tenderness, and to each and all Mr. Cope gave full expression. But where 
all was so perfect, it is not possible to mention in particular all the different 
scenes in which Mr. Cope succeeded." 

If the gift which has been so generously bestowed on Mr. Cope, 
and seemingly given at a time when it may be made most useful 
to a worthy Knighthood, is made available to impress the mem- 
bership of our Lodges with the sublime characters of Knightly 
heritage, and draw to the Lodges men who most appreciate a 
noble manhood by the nearest kinship thereto, then will this 
sketch have served its purpose ; and to that end we commend 
Knight Homer D. Cope to the Lodges of America. His place 
of residence is at Des Moines, Iowa. 



EDWARD L. BARTLETT, 
Past Grand Chancellor and. Supreme Representative. 

EDWARD L. BARTLETT, third Grand Chancellor of the 
State of Kansas, and present Supreme Representative, was 
born in the town of Bethel, State of Maine, Oct. 21st, 1847. 
His father was a lawyer, son of Barbour Bartlett, one of the 

2E 






466 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

founders of that town, and his mother daughter of Gen'l A. B. 
Thompson, long identified with the politics of the State. In the 
fall of 1855, with his parents, the subject of this sketch removed 
to Boston, where he remained until the spring of 1857, when 
the "Kansas fever" having laid strong hold upon his father, he 
went with the latter to the then Territory of Kansas, where his 
father had obtained a large amount of real estate, finally settling 
permanently in the city of Wyandotte. In 1862, Bro. Bartlett 
was sent to Maine to school, where he remained, and fitted for 
Bowdoin college at Bridgeton academy, until the spring of 1866, 
when he returned to Wyandotte, and studied law in his father's 
office until the fall of 1868, when he finished his preparatory 
studies in the law school of the University of Michigan, and was 
admitted to practice in the spring of 1869, at the city of Wy- 
andotte, Kan., where he has remained ever since, practising his 
profession. He was one of the charter members of Fellowship 
Lodge, No. 2, of Kansas, and one of the original members of the 
Grand Lodge. The first G. K. of R. & S. of that Grand Lodge 
resigning after a few months' service, the G. C. appointed Bro. 
Bartlett G. K. of R. & S. to fill the vacancy, and on the next 
meeting of the Grand Lodge he was elected to that position ; 
the following year he was elected G. C, and at the annual meet- 
ing of the Grand Lodge in 1875, he was re-elected Grand Chan- 
cellor and also Sup. Rep. for two years. 



JOHN TRUMP, 

Past Grand Chancellor and. Supreme Representative, 

WAS born in Lee county, Iowa, on the 15th day of Novem- 
ber, 1847, an d removed to Kansas in 1855, and two years 
later located permanently in Leavenworth City. When 
eighteen years old, he was employed in the U. S. Arsenal at Fort 
Leavenworth, and in 1866 obtained a situation in the Quarter- 
master's department, serving as clerk, wagon-master, andsuperin- 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 467 

tendent of transportation until 1871. During the last five years 
he has been engaged in mercantile pursuits. 

In September, 1873. De was initiated into the Order of Knights 
of Pythias, by Seneca Lodge, No. 3, of Leavenworth, Kansas. 
In December, 1873, ne > w ^ tn s ^ x others, withdrew from Seneca 
Lodge, No. 3, for the purpose of organizing Concordia Lodge, 
No. 8 {German). Was elected first Chancellor Commander, 
and was re-elected for five successive terms. He has represented 
his Lodge in the Grand Lodge of Kansas repeatedly, and was 
appointed Deputy Grand Chancellor of that Grand Jurisdiction 
for German Lodges, and served in that capacity for three years. 
In October, 1875, he was appointed G. K. of R. & S. to fill a 
vacancy. At the last session of the Grand Lodge he was elect- 
ed Supreme Representative for two years, and will therefore be 
a member of the next Supreme Lodge of the World, which con- 
venes at Cleveland, Ohio, on third Tuesday of August, 1877. 



J. W. MAVITY, 

Past Chancellor. 



FIRST Past Chancellor, James W. Mavity, of Louisville, 
Ky., a very intelligent and promising young lawyer, 
has, unaided by patrimony, or the influence of wealthy 
friends, worked his way to a high position in the regard of the 
community and the affections of his acquaintances. By a strict 
pursuit of virtue and honor, he is building for himself an endur- 
ing and deserved reputation. He is a graduate of the Indiana 
State University and of the Louisville law class of 1870. He 
edited, with marked ability, the Pythian Record, during the 
years 1871-2. 

Though quite a young man, he has by his active intelligence 
and native goodness of heart, won to himself a host of warm, 
personal friends, who would do honor to any man, no matter 
how exalted his station. 



468 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

DR. GEO. W. GRIFFITHS, 
Past Grand Chancellor and Supreme Representative. 

DR. GEORGE W. GRIFFITHS, of Louisville, Ky., is a 
Past Grand Chancellor, who, though but thirty-three years 
of age, has won for himself in the walks of his profession 
a very enviable and distinguished reputation. He stands fore- 
most among the physicians of our city, not only for an intelligent 
knowledge of medicine and surgery, but as the possessor of a 
capacity to practically apply that knowledge, probably unsur- 
passed by any man of his age in the West. The Doctor is one 
of those men who take the front rank no matter where they may 
be. He is good-humored and modest, and never of his own 
accord seeks to attract to himself attention; but his personal 
appearance, affable manners, intellectual conversation, and gentle- 
manly conduct, entice and secure for him that recognition of 
superiority so cheerfully and constantly accorded him by others. 
The Doctor has attained a brilliant reputation among his com- 
peers, and with the public generally, as a learned professor of his 
branch of medicine. Possessing a tall, commanding, and mag- 
nificent physique, he is the very impersonation of manly grace and 
symmetry of form. We know of no one connected with the 
Order of the Knights of Pythias who is better calculated to add 
dignity and honor to the representation of the Order. The 
Doctor is the centre of a large circle of loving and admiring 
friends, who place the most perfect and implicit reliance in his 
honor as a gentleman, and in his ability as a physician, and he 
is of such a magnanimous nature that no fears need ever be en- 
tertained that this reliance will be betrayed, or the hopes excited 
be disappointed by any conduct on his part. 



HENRY M. SMALL, 
Deputy Supreme Chancellor. 

THE subject of this sketch was born in New Orleans, State of 
Louisiana, on the 9th day of January, 1843. He was made 
a member of Louisiana Lodge, No. 2, on the 15 th day of 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT- BO OK. 469 

February, 1869. Was F. S. then W. C. for two terms; elected 
as Banker, and has held the position since 1870, and was elected 
as Representative to the Grand Lodge, and held therein the po- 
sition of Vice Grand Chancellor, and at the time of the revoca- 
tion of the Grand Lodge Charter was Grand Chancellor. Was 
commissioned D. G. C. for the State by Samuel Read, Past Su- 
preme Chancellor, on the 25 th day of February, 1871, vice Wm. 
E. Fitzgerald resigned ; was created P. G. C. by the re-formation 
of the State Grand Lodge. On the dissolution of the Grand 
Lodge was appointed by S. S. Davis, Supreme Chancellor, on the 
7th of April, 1875, an d is at the present time Deputy Supreme 
Chancellor for the Jurisdiction of Louisiana by virtue of his 
reappointment. 



JUDGE G. W. LINDSAY, 

Past Grand Chancellor and Supreme Representative. 

THE Judge was born in the city of Baltimore, Maryland, on 
the 10th day of May, 1826. He served an apprenticeship at 
printing in his youth, and continued in the business until 
about the month of November, 1857, when he was compelled, 
on account of declining health, to relinquish it, and engaged in 
a more active field of labor. His avocation is now that of a 
real estate broker and general collecting agent, which he prose- 
cutes in partnership with his son. 

In November, 1871, he was elected Judge of the Orphans' 
Court of Baltimore, leading his ticket over two thousand votes. 
After serving his term of four years he was unanimously renomi- 
nated by the Democratic Convention in 1875, an d having re- 
ceived a flattering indorsement from the Merchants' Reformed 
Party, was re-elected, leading his ticket some four thousand votes. 

Ever since the year 1848, he has been a zealous, efficient, and 
honored worker in the various secret organizations of the coun- 
try. He has attained high rank in our Order, is the Grand 
Master of the Improved Order of Red Men, and commands the 
confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens in a very high 
40 






470 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

gree. His everyday life is an exemplification of the grand and 
ennobling principles that underlie all the great charitable Orders 
of earth. 



COLONEL SAMUEL SANDS MILLS, 

Past Grand Chancellor and Supreme Representative. 

S SANDS MILLS was born in Baltimore, in 1820. His pa- 
rents were of the old Maryland stock, and he was educated 
in our public schools. At the early age of twelve he was 
apprenticed to the printing business with his uncle, Samuel Sands, 
Esq. , who, when a boy, set the type from the original copy of 
the " Star-Spangled Banner," a production which made our Fran- 
cis Key immortal. On reaching the age of twenty-one, Col. 
Mills was made foreman of Mr. Sands' office, and, by his devo- 
tion to the interests of his employer, became in a few years a 
partner in the concern ; and, as such, started the Rural Register, 
a first-class agricultural journal, which did not cease until the war 
broke out, and communication with the South was stopped. 

Previous to starting the Register, Col. Mills was connected 
with Mr. Sands in the publication of the old American Farmer, 
a magazine well known to the agriculturists of the United States. 

On his own responsibility he published The South, an evening 
daily, which was inaugurated about the breaking out of the war. 
This journal was popular, but meeting with disaster at the hands 
of the Federal Government, the Colonel was seized at night, 
thrown into prison at Fort McHenry, and kept there some six 
months. Of course the paper was at once suppressed, and all 
those in his employ were ordered not to enter the office until his 
release. Owing to the course of the Government, the office was 
finally closed, the material disposed of, and Col. Mills forced to 
commence the world anew. He was compelled to leave his na- 
tive city to earn a livelihood. He consequently went to Wash- 
ington, where he worked at his trade about six months. He 
returned and started a book and job printing office, and, in con- 
nection with E. Whitman, Esq., established the Maryland Far- 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT- BO OK. 47 1 

mer y which, under his management, has become a standard agri- 
cultural magazine, and of which he is still the conducting editor. 

In 1848 — being then twenty-eight years of age — previous to 
becoming a partner of Mr. Sands, he was elected President of 
the Baltimore Typographical Union, and in that capacity proved 
himself a staunch friend of the working-men, and only retired 
from that position on becoming an employing printer, in accord- 
ance with the rules of the association. It was during this year 
that he, by appointment, delivered an eulogy on Wm. S. Brunner, 
a distinguished member of the Union, and who, at the time of 
his death, was associate editor of that old established journal, 
the Daily American. This oration was one of Col. Mills' earli- 
est efforts, and won for him hosts of friends. During his Presi- 
dency he represented the printers of Baltimore at the grand din- 
ner of the Washington Typographical Society, at which many 
of the great men of the nation were present — Hons. Benton, 
Webster, Greeley, Ritchie, Holmes, and others. His speech at 
that banquet, in reply to the toast complimentary to the Balti- 
more Typographical Union, was a creditable effort, and highly 
praised by the National Intelligencer of that date. At the re- 
quest of Horace Greeley, he read, the same evening, Collins' 
"Ode to the Passions," which effort drew from Mr. Ritchie the 
remark : "Never had poet such an orator." 

In 1858, a year of great depression in trade and manufactures, 
and consequently great distress among our mechanics and work- 
ing-men, he was prominent in the organization of the Associa- 
tion for the Relief of the Unemployed Mechanics and Working- 
men, whose object was to collect supplies and money to relieve 
the wants of our unemployed people. A large quantity of gro- 
ceries, provisions, fuel, etc., was collected and distributed by 
organized committees of three in each ward. When these sources 
were exhausted, application was made to the City Council 
for an appropriation of $25,000, which was granted, and the un- 
employed put to work on Druid Hill Park. It was during this 
winter that the Independent Blues Band, under Professor Albert 
Holland, gave a concert, assisted by Colonel Mills, with selec- 
tions of readings and declamations at the Maryland Institute, 



472 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

which was packed with the largest audience ever gathered in that 
spacious hall, the proceeds of which reached the large sum of 
$1,200, which was also distributed for the relief of our needy 
people. 

When quite young, Colonel Mills identified himself with the 
military, joining the crack corps, then known as the Independent 
Blues, when only nineteen years of age. After a long service as 
private, under the captaincy of the late Major Richard Lilly, he 
was elected captain. At the great encampment held in Balti- 
more in 1842, in McPherson's Woods, Colonel Mills, then ser- 
geant of the Blues, was especially detailed as orderly to General 
Charles Carroll, the father of the Governor of Maryland, the 
Hon. John Lee Carroll. He filled successively nearly every 
position, both non-commissioned and commissioned, and was 
finally promoted from the rank of lieutenant of the Independent 
Grays, which corps he joined after leaving the Blues, to lieu- 
tenant-colonel of the Fifty-third Regiment, which had been 
commanded by such men as Colonels Jacob G. Davis, James O. 
Law, and James M. Anderson. 

During the Mexican war, Colonel Mills, then a lieutenant, 
was dispatched by military authority to that country to bring 
home the remains of Colonel William H. Watson, commander 
of the Independent Blues, which position he resigned to take 
command of the famous Baltimore Battalion in the Mexican 
war, and who fell while leading his men at Monterey. Colonel 
Mills was absent six months, most of the time in the enemy's 
country, but discharged the delicate duties assigned him with 
great satisfaction to his military comrades and the community 
generally. While on this mission, at the request of General 
Zachary Taylor, he also brought home and delivered to respec- 
tive friends the remains of Maryland's gallant son, Captain Ran- 
dolph Ridgely, of Ringgold's Flying Artillery; Lieutenant Her- 
man Thomas, of Harford county ; the gallant Colonel Graham, 
of Washington ; Captain Eugene Boyle, of Washington, and 
private Pierson, of Baltimore. 

To enable him to prosecute this mission more effectively, he 
received passports from Mr. Marcy, then the Secretary of State 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 473 

under President Polk, and was made bearer of dispatches from 
the Government to General Taylor, at that time commanding 
the United States forces at Monterey. On the breaking up of 
the encampment at Walnut Springs, near that city, for the pur- 
pose of marching to Buena Vista — where the great battle was 
fought — he was recruited into the United States service, and 
was detailed with others to garrison what was called the "Black 
Fort," which commanded the entrance to the south side of Mon- 
terey. He served some fourteen days in the fort, and was then 
ordered to form one of the escorts for the train returning to the 
city of Camargo, located on the San Juan river, which reached 
the objective point after four days of fatiguing march. 

In connection with this Mexican mission, we extract the fol- 
lowing from the interesting Memoirs of a Maryland Volunteer : 
War with Mexico, in the years 1846-7-8, by John R. Kenly : 

" On the 9th day of December, Lieutenant Samuel S. Mills, 
of Baltimore, arrived in camp to convey the remains of Colonel 
Watson for burial to his native city. He brought with him an 
elegant coffin, which had been provided by the generosity of his 
friends, and also having learned at New Orleans the death of 
Captain Ridgely, a lead coffin for his remains. On the next day 
I was directed by special orders to superintend the exhumation 
and also the ceremony of parade. I found Watson's body in a 
tolerable state of preservation ; he was lying, the centre one of 
three bodies ; the others were Lieutenants Hoskins and Wood of 
the Fourth Infantry. I knew Watson by his two front teeth, 
beard, shoulder-straps — which were those of a Major — and new 
boots upon his feet. I had no doubt whatever of his identity. 
I took a button from his uniform coat, and his remains, enclosed 
in the coffin brought by Mr. Mills, were escorted by the Balti- 
more Battalion to the regimental parade-ground, where a guard 
of honor was detailed to receive them. Here they remained 
until the exhumation of Ridgely' s body, which was brought and 
placed side by side with that of Watson ; our battalion and 
Ridgely' s battery forming the escort and working party. The 
whole parade was solemn and interesting, witnessed by very large 
numbers of the troops in camp ; and, as the bodies were placed 
40* 



474 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

in the wagon for their transportation homeward, a very general 
feeling of sadness marked the departure of all that was mortal 
of two of Maryland's gallant dead. Before the arrival of Mr. 
Mills, Lieutenant Shover of the army and I had made arrange- 
ments to send home the remains of Ridgely with those of Wat- 
son, and the thoughtful consideration of Mr. Mills had relieved 
us from a great deal of concern about the metallic coffin. Mr. 
Mills also brought coffins for the bodies of Herman Thomas of 
Harford county, killed in the assault of the 2 2d of September, 
and George Pierson, of Baltimore, a member of our battalion." 

Whilst colonel of the 53d, he, with his command, took an ac- 
tive part in the attack on Harper's Ferry, at the time of the 
John Brown raid, and was honorably mentioned in general orders 
by General Robert E. Lee, who commanded the forces sent 
against the raiders, particularly for his capture of the noted 
school-house, which contained some three wagon-loads of arms, 
pikes, etc. Gen. Robert E. Lee — then Colonel — in his report 
to the Secretary of War of the transaction at Harper's Ferry, 
said : '•' After our citizens were liberated and the wounded cared 
for, Col. S. S. Mills, of the 53d Maryland Regiment, with the 
Baltimore Independent Grays, Lieutenant B. F. Simpson com- 
manding, was sent on the Maryland side of the river to search 
for John E. Cooke, and to bring in the arms, etc., belonging to 
the insurgent party, which were said to be deposited in a school- 
house, two and a half miles distant. Col. Mills saw nothing of 
Cooke, but found the boxes of arms (Sharp's carbines and belt 
revolvers), and recovered and brought in Col. Washington's 
wagons and horses. These articles have been deposited in the 
Government store-house at the armory." 

He also took an active part as a military man in suppressing 
numerous riots along the line of the Baltimore and Ohio Rail- 
road, under Col. Augustus P. Shutt and others, and was adjutant 
of the forces sent down to Pool's Island to stop the prize-fight be- 
tween Hyer and Sullivan. It will be remembered that on this 
occasion the steamer ran aground, and the prize-fight was over 
before the Baltimore military effected a landing. 

Col. Mills was for some time Professor of Military Tactics in 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 475 

the Baltimore High School — now City College — and was also 
Military Instructor of Irving College, at Manchester, Md. He 
was also, at one time, Adjutant of the Fifth Regiment under Gen. 
John W. Watkins, and Aid-de-camp under Gen. N. Hickman, 
of the First Division — in short, for over thirty years, Colonel 
Mills has been identified with the military of Baltimore, and is 
even now, in the very prime of his life, in active service as cap- 
tain of Company D, Fifth Regiment, M. N. G., a company at 
first organized as the Old Independent Grays, and which ranks 
second to none in that splendid corps of citizen soldiery. He 
and his command were present at the Centennial of Bunker Hill, 
June, 1875, ty tne city °f Boston, and, though a young corps, 
acquitted itself with great credit and satisfaction to the regi- 
mental officers. 

Though not in the Confederate service, we believe he acted 
as commanding officer at the first drill of the First Maryland 
Regiment at Harper's Ferry, which was witnessed by General 
Joseph E. Johnston and other prominent Confederate officers. 
Among the captains at that time who afterwards distinguished 
themselves, was General James R. Herbert. 

Col. Mills spent a great portion of his life in active service in 
the Fire Department. For many years an officer and President 
of the old Friendship Fire Company, No. 3, he was one of the 
first to favor the inauguration of a Steam Paid Fire Department, 
and actually accepted the position of substitute in No. 6 Com- 
pany, as an evidence of his earnestness and support of this great 
undertaking. He for many years represented the old Friendship 
Company in the Baltimore United Fire Department, which was 
clothed with magisterial power, so far as firemen were concerned. 

He has been for many years an active member of the Mary- 
land Institute for the Promotion of Mechanic Arts, of which for 
a series of years he was a manager, under the presidency of Hon. 
Joshua Vansant, late Mayor of Baltimore, and at one time Re- 
cording Secretary. In this, as in everything else with which he 
has been connected through life, he has ever and still continues 
to take an active interest, devoting his time and talents to the 
advancement of his fellow-men and native city. 



476 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Almost since he attained his majority, Col. Mills has been an 
active member of the Masonic fraternity as well as of the Odd- 
Fellows, Independent Order of Mechanics, and Knights of the 
Golden Eagle. He but recently filled the position of Grand 
Chancellor of the Knights of Pythias of Maryland, of which 
Gov. Groome is now Vice Grand Chancellor, and was marshal 
of the grand parade in Washington city, in April, 1875, which 
command was highly complimented by Gen. Grant for their fine 
appearance and discipline. He has also for years been an active 
member of the Baltimore Schiitzen Association, and at one time 
a noted shot, as well as of the Germania Mannerchor, where a 
taste for music is fostered — the members of both organizations 
being much attached to him. 

He was one of the original founders of the Monument Lyceum, 
a literary organization of great promise, and from which some 
of our most prominent citizens graduated, among whom were 
Charles Webb, Hugh Sisson, John Carson, John H. Ing, Henry 
Stockbridge, John W. Davis, William G. Geckler, W. H. B. 
Fusselbaugh, John R. Cox, and others. He has ever been clever 
in debate, and as a public reader is pronounced by competent 
judges to have but few equals. He was also an active member 
of the old Murray Institute and the Baltimore Lyceum. In 1852 
he was selected to read the Declaration of Independence at the 
great celebration in this city, under the administration of Mayor 
Jerome, R. D. Merrick, Esq., delivering the oration. On several 
occasions he has acceptably delivered addresses before colleges 
and literary societies, and his peculiar rendition of certain poems 
has given them great prominence. Many years ago Colonel 
Mills organized the Mechanics' and Apprentices' Library, which 
struggled for some time, but not being properly seconded by the 
community was abandoned. 

In the year 1867 he took an active part in the reorganization 
of the Maryland State Agricultural and Mechanical Association, 
a meeting for that purpose being called at Eldon Hall, and 
through his influence, as a member of the City Council, secured 
an appropriation of $25,000 on the part of the city to that ob- 
ject, which, added to the State's subscription of $50,000, and 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 477 

the citizens' subscription of $75,000, made the sum of $150,000. 
He has taken a lively interest in its affairs ever since. 

His active participation in the organization of the Maryland 
State Horticultural Society, two years ago, is well known to its 
members and the community, he having, in connection with E. 
Whitman, Esq., its late president, agitated the subject, and issued 
a call for its first meeting, the success of which has been unpar- 
alleled in the history of similar institutions. Its last exhibition 
at the Fifth Regiment Armory has probably been unsurpassed in 
this country. Its future prosperity is guaranteed by its present 
officers : William H. Perot, President ; William B. Sands, Re- 
cording Secretary ; John Feast, Corresponding Secretary ; and 
R. W. L. Rasin, Treasurer, together with all our professional 
florists and gardeners, and a host of amateurs and citizens, as 
active members. 

The only political position ever held by Colonel Mills was as a 
member of the City Council from the Seventh ward, for which 
he was returned four consecutive years to the First Branch and 
two years in the Seventh and Eighth wards, making six years in 
all. His public course was marked for its boldness, industry, and 
indomitable energy in pushing forward measures he thought of 
public benefit, as well as for his inflexible opposition to any and 
everything that he honestly thought might be detrimental. He 
was chairman of many of the most important committees, such 
as Highways, Fire Department, and Markets. In 1873 ne con " 
tested the sheriffalty with his friend, Augustus Albert, but was 
defeated, showing, however, great strength. In 1875 ne was 
nominated unanimously by the Democratic party for sheriff, and 
was elected to that office by a handsome majority, running 
ahead of his ticket. He was inaugurated into the office on the 
first of December, 1875. 

In person Colonel Mills may be considered a handsome man, 
trongly built, active and ready for business. He is genial in 
iisposition, urbane in manners, with sufficient official dignity to 
nake him respected by all, whether friend or stranger. 



47 8 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

CHARLES D. LUCAS, 

GRAND Chancellor of the Knights of Pythias of Missouri, was 
born in Independence, Jackson county, Missouri, on the 5th 
day of May, 1834. After having received a liberal educa- 
tion, he embarked in the dry-goods business, and continued in 
the same until the year 1867, at which time, on account of the 
illness of his father, Gen. Samuel D. Lucas, who was the Re- 
corder of Deeds of Jackson county, Mo., he was called upon to 
discharge the duties of that office. Upon the decease of his father, 
he was appointed to fill the unexpired term, and was himself 
elected for the first time to the office in the year 1870; he was 
again elected in the fall of 1874, which office he now holds. 

Grand Chancellor Lucas was the first Vice-Grand Chancellor 
of the State of Missouri, being elected at the organization of the 
Grand Lodge at the city of St. Louis, Missouri, for the term of 
six months, at the expiration of which term he was, without op- 
position, elected to the office of Grand Chancellor for the term 
of one year. Having served in that office to the satisfaction of 
all, his jurisdiction appreciating and approving his past services, 
elevated him to the position of Supreme Representative, which 
position he has held continuously ever since. At the last session 
of the Grand Lodge of Missouri, in November, 1875, Mr. Lucas 
was again called to accept the office of Grand Chancellor, much 
against his own wishes; but ever ready and willing to advance 
the cause of Friendship, Charity, and Benevolence, he yielded 
to the earnest solicitations and requests of his numerous friends 
and brethren throughout his jurisdiction, and was the second 
time elected to the high and honorable position of Grand Chan- 
cellor. Much of the prosperity of the Order in his own State is 
attributed to his untiring energy and zeal in the cause, and it 
can be truthfully stated that he was the originator, and started 
the first two Lodges in the jurisdiction of Kansas, and thus mate- 
rially aided in adding another star to our galaxy. He was elected 
Supreme Prelate at the last session, 1876, of the Supreme Lodge 
of the World, held at Independence Hall, Philadelphia. 




[fl tf §+*******. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 479 

HON. JNO. P. SWYGARD, 
Grand Keeper of Records and Seal. 

THE subject of this brief biographical sketch was born in 
Frederick City, Maryland, on October 17, 1843. His 
parents removed to Iowa in 1851, where his mother still 
resides, his father having died in 1856. He was educated as a 
druggist, but has not followed it for the past three years. 

Our brother entered the army in 1861, and served three 
months in the First Iowa Infantry. After its disbandment he 
entered the regular United States service, and remained therein 
until the fall of 1866, when he returned to Iowa, and remained 
there until 1868. He then removed to Kansas City, Mo. 

He became a Knight in 1871, as a charter member of Lucas 
Lodge, No. 9, of Kansas City, and was its second Chancellor 
Commander. In 1872 was appointed G. K. of R. and S., to fill 
a vacancy, and in July, 1872, was duly elected to that office 
by the Grand Lodge of Missouri. He has discharged the duties 
pertaining to the office of G. K. of R. and S. with marked fidel- 
ity and for the great good of the Order. 



S. H. GODDARD, 
Past Grand Chancellor and Supreme Representative of Nevada. 

THE subject of this sketch was born in Kennebec county, 
Maine, in March, 1843, an d is the eldest son of a large 
family, whose ancestors were among the early settlers of 
that State. His parents were prosperous farmers, and were 
identified with the Society of Friends as far back as we can trace 
their genealogy. 

After sixteen years of uneventful life expended on the farm 
and at school, he left Oak Grove Seminary to become a "sailor 
before the mast," or, as he sometimes jocosely remarks, "before 
the windlass ; ' ' next in the pine forests of Northern Maine, and 
again as a lumberman and raftsman on the headwaters of the 
Alleghany. 



480 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

At Pittsburgh, Pa., he plied the trade of a carpenter by day 
and studied architecture at night, and in 1864 was entrusted 
with placing the pier foundations of the first bridge constructed 
at Albany, New York. We next find him as contractor and 
builder of bridges with the Army of the Tennessee, and aiding 
in the defence of Nashville, by his skill, industry, and ingenuity. 

He was also designated as foreman of the Panama railroad-car 
shops in Central America, and soon after leaving that situation, 
became quartermaster on a Pacific mail-steamer; then a con- 
tractor and builder for years at Oakland, California, and for the 
past four years has been located at Virginia City, Nevada, en- 
gaged in setting mining machinery in that State. 

He is unmarried, little above medium height, of symmetrical 
build, and of untiring energy. At home or abroad, he is a social, 
genial, and companionable gentleman. 

Bro. Goddard was made an Odd-Fellow in McFarland Lodge, 
No. 30, of Alleghany City, Pa., and is now a member of the 
Grand Lodge of California. He is also Senior Grand Warden 
of Silver Lodge of Perfection, Ancient and Accepted Scottish 
Rite Masonry, of Virginia City. But his worth as a society man 
was brought out in his introducing the Order of Knights of 
Pythias into Nevada, and his subsequent acts and guidance of the 
Order as the first Grand Chancellor of this Grand Jurisdiction. 

He was charged as a Knight in Live Oak Lodge, No. 17, of 
Oakland, California, on September 10, 1870,. and in the many 
stations he has since so creditably filled in the Order, has never 
used a book. 

Our brother is an excellent presiding officer, having served his 
Lodge (Nevada, No. 1) several times as Chancellor Commander, 
and by wise counsel and worthy example has won a high rank 
in the Order. 



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482 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

cause. He has devoted time, talents, and money to the upbuild- 
ing of all the charitable institutions of the country for the past 
third of a century, being especially active and efficient in extend- 
ing Pythian principles. Such men are an honor, not only to 
the Order, but to the race from which they spring. 

" He hath a tear for pity, and a hand 
Open as day, for melting chanty ; 

and the elements 
So mixed in him, that Nature might stand up 
And say to all the world, This is a man." 



HON. STEPHEN D. YOUNG, 

Past Grand Chancellor. 

THIS eminent Knight was born in Pennsylvania on the 14th 
day of April, 1828. His parents died in his early youth. 
His father was prominent in the Masonic fraternity, and at 
his decease was buried with the honors of that ancient Order. 
At the age of fourteen he was put to a trade, and a few years 
thereafter adopted that of a carriage-smith. At the age of twen- 
ty-one he was initiated into the Odd- Fellows, and is still an active 
member of that great charitable Order. 

He has been a resident of Camden, New Jersey, since the 
year 1859. In the autumn of 1867, he was one of nine gentle- 
men who visited the city of Philadelphia and were made Knights 
by Damon Lodge, No. 8, Knights of Pythias. Shortly there- 
after they instituted the first two Lodges in New Jersey, to wit : 
New Jersey Lodge, No. 1, and Damon, No. 2. Hon. Samuel 
Read, P. S. C, belongs to the former, and the subject of this 
sketch to the latter. He has occupied every position of honor 
in the subordinate and Grand Lodge ; beginning at the lowest 
and ascending step by step until crowned by his compeers with 
the exalted rank of Grand Chancellor, his term having expired 
in February, 1876. A few years since he was presented by the 
brotherhood with a complete and expensive suit of the armor of 
a knight, which he most highly prizes. He is a most zealous 







St&^Wi ^kn^io^ 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 483 

advocate of Pythian principles, and labors constantly for the up- 
building of the grand cause, and for the diffusion of the cardinal 
truths, Friendship, Charity, and Benevolence. 

The present status of the Order in his Grand Jurisdiction is 
conclusive proof of the wise, economical, and just administration 
of the leading Knights of New Jersey. There are now one hun- 
dred and six Lodges in working order, with 6,000 members, and 
since the organization there have been 245 deaths, 585 rejec- 
tions, 4,189 suspensions, and 722 admitted by card. 

Full receipts for charitable purposes $307,450 58 

Full amount paid for " " 78,297 83 

$229,152 75 

Amount on hand and invested $47>978 35 

Number of brothers relieved 3> I 5° 

His decisions, whilst Grand Chancellor, impartial as they are 
correct, are read and approved as law. He has won an enviable 
rank in this new secret society movement, and as a further evi- 
dence of the confidence and trust reposed in him, will soon be 
elected Supreme Representative. He has proved that by untiring 
industry, unswerving integrity, and decision of character, the 
highest success may be achieved, and that men are truly the 
architects of their own fortunes. 



JACOB H. HEISSER, 
Past Grand Chancellor and. Supreme Representative, 

WAS born in the city of New York, November 20th, 1844. 
He received a good common school education in the 
public schools of that city, and spent several years at 
New York college. He was engaged in active mercantile pur- 
suits, hardware business, for a great many years in that citj^. 
February 9th, 1869, he removed, with his family, to Indian- 
apolis, Indiana, where he was employed in a large iron house. 



484 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

It was during his residence in that city that he was initiated into 
the mysteries of the Knights of Pythias, when subsequently he 
removed to the State of Minnesota in 1870. He carried the 
standard to that north-western State, and was the means of 
organizing Minneapolis Lodge, No. 1, July 11, 1870. The 
Supreme Chancellor commissioned him Deputy Grand Chan- 
cellor of that State, and under his administration quite a num- 
ber of Lodges were instituted. The Supreme Lodge in session 
at Philadelphia created Brother Heisser a P. G. C. He received 
the degree at the Baltimore session subsequently. In Septem- 
ber, 187 1, he removed to New York, but returned to the State 
in 1874, and is now an active and energetic member of 
Damon Lodge, No. 5, of Minneapolis. He has been for 
many years an active worker with the Masonic Order, having 
passed through the York Rite, Blue Lodge, Chapter and Com- 
mandery, and a portion of the Scottish Rite. 



ROBERT ALLEN CHAMPION, 

THE second member of the Order of Knights of Pythias, 
was born in New York city, November 10, 1843. He 
received an academic education, and in early life entered 
the employ of A. T. Stewart, the celebrated dry-goods mer- 
chant of that city, where he remained until the war broke 
out. He then enlisted and was ordered directly to the front ; 
but his naturally frail physique was not equal to the hardships of 
a soldier's life, and in 1862 he was sent for treatment to a Phil- 
adelphia hospital. The disease contracted in the line of duty 
had become chronic, however, and incapacitated him for service 
in the field ; he was, therefore, transferred, as a convalescent, to 
the U. S. Hospital at Germantown, Pa., of which institution he 
was soon after made chief steward. In 1863 he was ordered for 
duty to the Surgeon-General's office at Washington, D. C, and 
at the expiration of his term of enlistment, still suffering from the 
effects of his malady, he received an appointment as clerk in the 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 485 

Second Auditor's office, U. S. Treasury, which position he occu- 
pied until he died. His disease causing him continued suffering, it 
was thought that a complete change of air might possibly benefit 
him, and in the latter part of August, 1873, ne sailed for Europe. 
The hopes entertained for his recovery were futile, however, for 
on September 25, 1873, soon a ^ ter ms arr i ya l at Edinburgh, Scot- 
land, he died. His remains were duly honored by his Masonic 
brethren of that city, and were by them forwarded to Washing- 
ton, where, November 23, 1873, hi s funeral, one of the most 
imposing and largely attended Masonic interments ever known, 
took place. These outlines of his life would not be complete, 
though, without a description of the moral part of Robert A. 
Champion ; and here, indeed, words fail to do him justice, for 
never was purer, truer, nobler soul encased in mortal flesh than 
was the case in his frail, suffering body. High-souled, gener- 
ous, conscientious to the highest degree, his name was synony- 
mous with everything pure and good, and high principle was the 
guiding star of his life. Of him can be truly said, " None knew 
him but to love him," for none knew him to swerve one iota 
from the line of rectitude and duty, and truth, justice, and hu- 
manity had in him a never failing, devoted follower. 



ABRAM G. LEVY, M. D., 
Past Grand. Chancellor and Supreme Representative. 

IN May, 1868, a preliminary convention was held in the city 
of Philadelphia, composed of the delegates from each Grand 
Lodge then existing, with the view of adopting a plan to or- 
ganize the Supreme Lodge of the World. While attending that 
convention, Justus H. Rathbone, founder of the Order of Knights 
of Pythias, conceived the idea of establishing it in the Empire 
State, and on his reaching New York city, on May 17, 1868, 
immediately called on the subject of this biographical sketch, 
and enlisted him in his laudable enterprise. 

At that time Dr. Levy had never heard of this new Order, 
41* 



486 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

although he had a personal acquaintance with the "founder," 
having met him at Washington, D. C, whither he went whilst 
Grand Secretary-General 95 ° of the Masonic Order of Memphis, 
to institute and install the officers of the several organizations 
under the jurisdiction of that Rite. Justus H. Rathbone at that 
time was an employe in the U. S. Treasury Department, and 
his stay in New York city was necessarily brief. 

Dr. Levy, on the day of his visit, was engaged to attend an 
adjourned session of the Grand Lodge of a Hebrew Order, 
known as " Kesher Shel Barzel," but, in company with three 
friends, called on Brother Rathbone at his hotel, and while 
there prepared and signed an application to form "Rathbone 
Lodge, No. 1, Knights of Pythias of New York." Hon. Wil- 
liam P. Westwood, Grand Chancellor of the District of Colum- 
bia (Provisional Supreme Lodge), being present, a dispensation 
was at once issued by him, and on Monday evening, May 18, 
1868, the first Lodge was instituted in the Empire State. At the 
election of officers, Dr. Levy was unanimously elected Venerable 
Patriarch, and thereby the first Past Chancellor of New York. 
After the business of the Lodge had been concluded, Grand 
Chancellor Westwood announced that he had appointed Past 
Chancellor Levy Deputy Grand Chancellor in and for the State 
of New York. Time has fully justified the wisdom of the ap- 
pointment, and demonstrated that the honor was worthily and 
discreetly bestowed. He at once opened up a correspondence 
with the Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal, soliciting consti- 
tutions, documents, and all requisite information for the proper 
discharge of the solemn and important duties which devolve upon 
a Deputy Grand Chancellor. For two years his labors were ex- 
tremely arduous and perplexing, but resulted in great good. 

On the 1st day of July, 1868, Eureka Lodge, No. 2, was organ- 
ized, and its first officers installed. Barton Lodge, No. 3, and 
Ark Lodge, No. 4, were duly instituted in October, 1868. In 
the meantime our brother attended the annual session of the 
Provisional Supreme Lodge of the World, held at Washington 
city, D. C, July 28 and 29, 1868, and was elected Vice Grand 
Chancellor. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 487 

Soon after the organization of the third subordinate Lodge in 
New York, an application was made for a dispensation for a 
Grand Lodge. A proper dispensation was issued by Supreme 
Chancellor Read, and under its provisions Dr. Levy was unani- 
mously elected the first Grand Chancellor. The Grand Lodge 
was duly instituted by the installation of its officers by the Su- 
preme Chancellor, et al., on Thursday, October 28, 1S68, being 
the first Grand Lodge organized since the formation of the Su- 
preme Lodge of the World, August 11, 1868, and the sixth on 
the roll. 

At the annual session of the Provisional Supreme Lodge in 
July, 1868, he was appointed to translate our rituals into German, 
French, and Spanish, and at an adjourned session of the Supreme 
Lodge, held at Wilmington, Delaware, November 9, 1868, the 
German translation was presented and accepted. He attended 
this adjourned session as one of the Supreme Representatives 
from the Grand Lodge of New York. At the first annual ses- 
sion of the Supreme Lodge of the World, held at Richmond, 
Virginia, he presented the French translation of the Ritual, 
which was also adopted. He instituted Rathbone Lodge, No. 
1, of Connecticut, in the city of New Haven, on the 18th day 
of November, 1868, and on the 18th day of January, 1869, as- 
sisted Supreme Chancellor Read in installing the first officers of 
the Grand Lodge of Connecticut. 

In December, 1868, Germania Lodge, No. 5, and Teutonia 
Lodge, No. 6 (German), were instituted in New York city, and 
in January, 1869, Schiller Lodge, No. 7 (German), and Excel- 
sior Lodge, No. 8, were established anterior to the annual session 
of the Grand Lodge of New York. At the annual session of the 
Grand Lodge, held January 28, 1869, he was unanimously re- 
elected Grand Chancellor for the full term of one year. From 
this time until April very little progress was made, except that 
of perfecting the work. 

In April, 1869, he instituted Alpha Lodge, No. 9, at Brook- 
lyn ; New York Lodge, No. 10, in New York city; Storm King 
Lodge, No. 11, at Newburgh, Orange county; and Mesopotamia 
Lodge, No. 12, at Brooklyn; and in May, 1869, Brooklyn Lodge, 



488 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

No. 13, at Brooklyn, and Washington Lodge, No. 14, in New- 
York city. Manhattan Lodge, No. 15, North German Lodge, 
No. 16 (German), Ivanhoe Lodge, No. 17, and Henry Clay 
Lodge, No. 18, were added to the roster in June, 1869, making 
an increase of ten Lodges in less than three months. 

In order to fully appreciate the vast amount of labor it re- 
quires to successfully introduce a new Order, it must be borne 
in mind that there are from thirty to fifty similar Orders in New 
York, all actively striving to increase their membership by the 
accession of good and true men. 

The semi-annual session of the Grand Lodge of New York was 
held on July 22-24, 1869, when Grand Chancellor Levy pre- 
sented a most valuable report. All of his official acts were ap- 
proved and every recommendation adopted. 

The Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal, in his annual 
report to the Supreme Lodge of the World, March, 1870, says: 
"The report of the Grand Chancellor, Dr. A. G. Levy, at this 
session, is an able one, and must be read to be appreciated." 

During August, 1869, he instituted Damon Lodge, No. 19, 
in New York city; Premier Lodge, No. 20, in Troy, and Pro- 
gressive Lodge, No. 21, at Brooklyn ; and in September, 1869, 
were added Goethe Lodge, No. 22 (German), in New York city, 
and Watervliet Lodge, No. 23, at West Troy. October, 1869, 
was productive of Crusader's Lodge, No. 24, at Troy ; Cceur de 
Leon Lodge, No. 25, in New York city, and Lafayette Lodge, 
No. 26, at Brooklyn. The fruits for November and December, 
1869, were American Lodge, No. 27, at Troy; Calanthe Lodge, 
No. 28, in New York city ; Humboldt Lodge, No. 29 (German) ; 
Lincoln Lodge, No. 30 (German) ; and Myrtle Wreath Lodge, 
No. 31, in New York city. 

January, 1870, was made memorable by the institution of Pea- 
body Lodge, No. 32, at Albany, the capital of the State, and 
Port Chester Lodge, No. n, at Port Chester, Westchester 
county, New York. 

It will be observed that every month, from the close of the 
semi-annual session of the Grand Lodge in July, 1869, to the 
opening of the annual session, January 27, 1870, was fraught 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 489 

with great labor in the creation of new Lodges in different sec- 
tions of the Empire State. In December, 1869, he assisted the 
Supreme Chancellor in instituting the Grand Lodge of Massa- 
chusetts at Boston. He was chairman of the committee on Laws 
and Supervision during the few years he was a member of the 
Supreme Lodge of the World, and was regarded by his compeers 
as a valuable and efficient representative. 

It may not be out of place to state, that the Knights of Rath- 
bone Lodge, No. 1, of New York city, as a slight token of 
esteem, presented him with a beautiful silver snuff-box, and the 
members of Calanthe Lodge, No. 28, presented him with a 
pretty emblematic gold medal, as a recognition of his invaluable 
services in behalf of Pythian principles. 

He has been connected with the Independent Order of Odd- 
Fellows for over thirty years; has been inducted into every 
degree of Freemasonry conferred in America ; a prominent mem- 
ber of the Improved Order of Red Men ; connected with the 
Independent Order of Foresters; and a Past Grand officer in 
three Hebrew Orders. He is a native of Boston, Massachusetts, 
and is now in the fifty-ninth year of his age, and is a picture of 
good health and manly vigor. He speaks, reads, and writes 
several European languages, and, withal, is a gentleman of the 
highest culture, and of great moral worth. 






WM. HENRY BURNETT, 

THE son of a well-known and influential Baptist clergyman, 
was born in Adams county, Ohio, October 10, 1840. About 
the year 1842 the family removed to Mount Pleasant, Henry 
county, Iowa, and there, at the High-School of Prof. S. L. Howe, 
the subject of our sketch received an excellent education, having 
completed which, he engaged in clerical labor until he, in 1863, 
came to Washington, D. C. In 1864 he received an appoint- 
ment as clerk in the War Department under Secretary Stanton ; 
and from that time he has remained in the employment of the 



490 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

government, occupying at present a position of importance and 
trust in the Quartermaster-General's office. In person Mr. Bur- 
nett is rather below the medium height, though firmly and com- 
pactly built ; his face, a pleasing oval, is framed by dark hair, 
and lighted up with a pair of fine dark eyes, which make his 
singing, gifted as he is with one of the sweetest tenor voices in 
Washington, the more effective. Reserved in his demeanor to- 
wards strangers and casual acquaintances, he is among his asso- 
ciates noted not only for his cheerful, pleasant ways, but also for 
his sterling qualities and devotion to his friends. Although the 
petted and admired tenor of choirs and concerts, he has, so far, 
escaped Hymen's yoke, and seems to prefer the badge of Pythias 
to that of Cupid. 



DAVID L. BURNETT, 



WAS born in Adams county, Ohio, January 4, 1837. Like 
his brother, Wm. H. Burnett, he went, in the year 1842, 
with his parents to Mount Pleasant, Iowa, and there, at 
the High-School of Prof. S. L. Howe, received an excellent 
education. In January, 1863, he came to Washington, D. C, 
and received an appointment as clerk in the War Department 
(Paymaster-General's office). In June, 1868, he was transferred 
to the Treasury, being assigned to the office of the Auditor of 
the Treasury for the Post-Office Department, and in that position 
he has remained, being so trusted and valued a clerk that he was 
one of the few selected to go to Europe in connection with the 
syndicate. In person Mr. D. L. Burnett is of a medium height, 
and rather slight built ; has a florid complexion, and very pre- 
possessing exterior generally. His disposition is genial, and his 
manners of that affable kind which impress associates with the 
sense of thorough friendliness. He also possesses a fine tenor 
voice, and is sought after in society; but, unlike his brother, 
he married early, and rejoices in the possession of a lovely 
daughter seventeen years old. 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 49 1 

AUGUSTUS C. ULRICH, 
Past Grand Chancellor and. Supreme Representative. 

THE subject of this sketch was born on the 10th of April/ 
1828, at Gottingen, Hanover, and came to America at 
the age of sixteen, his objective point being Cincinnati, 
Ohio, where he has since resided. On attaining his majority, 
he entered actively into the mercantile business, which he con- 
tinued to prosecute successfully until the year 1865, since which 
time he has profitably managed a special branch of the business 
of the Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company of Newark, New 
Jersey, with head-quarters at Cincinnati, Ohio. 

He joined the Order of Knights of Pythias in July, 1869, and 
during the same year organized Gcethe Lodge, No. 12, being 
the first German Lodge instituted in the city of Cincinnati, 
and by his unexampled energy in the interest of the Order, 
secured a membership and initiated 318 for the Lodge in twenty 
days, a growth marvellous in the extreme, and without a parallel. 
During the same time he established Schiller Lodge, No. 14, and 
initiated 217 members in eight weeks. As a just recognition of 
his great executive ability and unflagging industry, he has been 
promoted to the high and honorable rank of Chancellor Com- 
mander, Past Grand Chancellor, and Supreme Representative. 
We sincerely trust that multitudes of others may strive to emulate 
his example. 



EDWARD S. KIMBALL, M. D. 

EDWARD SULLIVAN KIMBALL was born in Trenton, N. 
J., February 21, 1844; received his education in the State 
of Maine, from whence he came to the city of Washington, 
September 5, 1863. Soon after his arrival at Washington, he 
received an appointment as hospital steward in the regular 
army, and was detailed for duty in the office of the Surgeon- 
General, where he remained until he was offered a clerical posi- 
tion of much responsibility in the Secretary's office of the Treas- 



492 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

ury Department, which he has held ever since. Mr. Kimball 
commenced the study of medicine in the fall of 1864, and re- 
ceived his degree of M. D. from Georgetown (D. C.) College, 
in the spring of 1866. He is considered one of the bright lights 
in the medical firmament of Washington, and is the youngest 
practitioner of the homoeopathic school of medicine in the city. 

Dr. Kimball is an accomplished musician, and as an organist 
ranks among the best. His services as conductor of musical or- 
ganizations are in constant demand, but owing to his many other 
duties, he seldom appears in public. The "Madrigal Society" 
of Washington, composed of some of the best vocal talent in the 
city, owes its inception to him, and its success is in a great 
measure ascribable to his indefatigable exertions, indomitable 
energy, and superior ability. 

To paint a pen portrait of Dr. Kimball's character is not a 
difficult task. Generous-hearted and sincere, his good right 
hand is ever ready to aid a friend ; he never speaks ill of his fel- 
low-man, or gives countenance to evil report, but on every occa- 
sion stands ready and willing to become the champion and 
defender of the oppressed. Many, very many of his brethren 
owe lasting debts of gratitude to him for repeated acts of disin- 
terested kindness and unselfish efforts in their behalf. If ever 
a human being clearly and thoroughly understood the full intent 
and meaning of the word friendship, and was ever ready to prac- 
tically exemplify its signification, it is the subject of our sketch. 
With him friendship is something more than a mere name. 

Dr. Kimball is married and the father of two lovely children. 



HON. H. D. WALKER, 
Past Grand Chancellor and G. K. of R. and S. 

THIS brother was born near Chambersburg, Pa., on the 16th 
day of October, 1831, and is, therefore, forty-five years old. 
At the age of eighteen he was apprenticed to a plasterer, 
and thoroughly learned that trade, after serving three years, and 
is still engaged therein at Mount Pleasant, Iowa. 




^ttltcJjtcl 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 493 

At the expiration of his apprenticeship, he travelled quite ex- 
tensively through Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, 
and Texas, working more or less in each State, until, in the 
autumn of 1854, he located at Piqua, Miami county, Ohio. 

On the 3d day of October, 1854, he was initiated into the 
Order of Odd-Fellows by Piqua Lodge, No. 8, under the grand 
jurisdiction of Ohio. He was married in the year 1856, and 
reached Iowa in October of the same year, depositing his with- 
drawal card with Henry Lodge, No. 10, I. O. of O. F., within 
two weeks after his arrival. After serving in all the minor of- 
fices of the subordinate Lodge, he became a Past Grand in i860, 
and was elected Grand Master of the State of Iowa in 1873. He 
became a Patriarch by uniting with Industry Encampment, No. 
18, at its institution, in October, 1857, and was promoted to the 
chair of Grand Patriarch in 1869. 

In the year 1870, he became very much interested in the new 
and rapidly growing Order of the Knights of Pythias, and after 
some correspondence with the prominent officers of the Order, 
joined with twenty-five others in a petition to the Supreme 
Lodge of the World for a dispensation to organize Eastern Star 
Lodge, No. 6, K. of P., at Mount Pleasant, Iowa, and was there- 
after unanimously elected the first Chancellor Commander. He 
became a Past Chancellor on July 1, 1870, and in the year 
1872 was duly elected a representative to the Grand Lodge, and 
at the session of the Grand Lodge, July 9 and 10, 1872, at Bur- 
lington, Iowa, was elected, and duly installed Grand Vice Chan- 
cellor, and served in such capacity until January 29, 1873. O* 1 
the 29th day of January, 1873, he was elected Grand Chancel- 
lor, which position he held for one year, reflecting great credit 
on himself, and materially advancing the interests of the Order 
in our beautiful prairie State. 

So acceptably had he discharged the duties of Grand Vice 
Chancellor and Grand Chancellor, that he has been thrice unan- 
imously elected Grand Keeper of Records and Seal of this juris- 
diction, and is now our worthy and efficient G. K. of R. and S. 

His personal appearance is prepossessing; his manners are 
genial, genteel, and friendly. He is frank and easy of approach ; 
42 



494 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

outspoken in his views, and intensely practical in his opinions, 
commanding the confidence and winning the affection of all 
who are thrown in contact with him. He has proved a tower 
of strength to both these great charitable Orders by his zeal, 
efficiency, and industry, and we feel safe in claiming him as the 
model Knight of this Grand Jurisdiction. 



DR. JOHN S. KING, 



A MEMBER of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of 
Ontario, the present Grand Chancellor of Ontario, was 
elected to that office by the unanimous vote of the Grand 
Lodge at its annual session in the city of London, held in June, 
1876. The brother entered the Grand Lodge as the representative 
from Ivanhoe Lodge, No. 4, of Toronto, where he had previously 
successively filled all the chairs. He was well and favorably 
known to the Knights throughout Ontario from his connection, 
as editor, with the Canadian Pythian Journal, which discon- 
tinued publication as such after he ceased to edit it. Dr. King 
is a self-made man, having entered upon a life of self-reliance at 
the age of nineteen years, when he became a teacher. In that 
calling he rapidly rose, soon becoming principal of the Waterloo 
Central School, and for two consecutive years filling the position 
of president of the Waterloo County Teachers' Association . Mean- 
while he had formed connection with various newspapers and 
periodicals, which soon induced him to cease teaching. As a 
writer he was not long in becoming favorably known in Ontario. 
Prior to entering upon the practice of medicine, in which he is 
now engaged in Toronto city, he was for some time on the edi- 
torial staff of the Toronto Globe, and for three years acted as the 
Canadian correspondent of the Chicago Tribune, while he was 
also a regular contributor to other leading Canadian papers. 

Dr. King is a married gentleman, and, though only thirty- 
three years of age, has attained a position of influence in his city 
and native province. In placing him in the responsible position 




^J /^*» , 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 495 

of Grand Chancellor of the Order in the province of Ontario, 
the brethren feel they have the right man in the right place. Dr. 
King has the reputation of being an able advocate of the princi- 
ples of the Order, a good and fluent speaker, a ready writer, an 
excellent executive officer, and an enterprising, generous, and 
honorable brother Knight. The instructions and orders promul- 
gated by him, as Grand Chancellor, give evidence that there 
will be an energetic movement to double the membership of the 
Order in his jurisdiction under his rule. 



COL. EDWARD BADGER, 

Past Grand. Chancellor, 

THOUGH a young man, being in his thirty-sixth year, has 
acquired an enviable position at the bar of Kentucky. 
He was born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina; 
graduated in the law department of the Cumberland Uni- 
versity, at Lebanon, Tennessee, in January, 1861. At this 
time the initial steps were taken in our great civil war. Imme- 
diately on returning home from college he entered the Confed- 
erate army as a private at Fernandina, Florida. He was after- 
wards promoted step by step to the position of colonel, and 
about the close of the war was appointed brigadier-general of 
State troops, but did not accept the position. During the war 
he married an accomplished lady resident of Jackson, Missis- 
sippi, and upon the cessation of hostilities removed to Ocal, 
East Florida, where he entered upon the practice of his profes- 
sion. The political and bankrupt condition of that State caused 
him to remove to Louisville, Kentucky, where he has built up 
a lucrative and growing practice, and has established a repu- 
tation as a gentleman of honor and integrity, of which the best 
might well be proud. He is a man of very pleasant bearing, 
good address, and popular manners — though quiet and unobtru- 
sive. 

In the army he commanded the Fourth Florida Regiment, 



49^ THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

and the estimation in which he was held as a soldier can be best 
shown by the following documentary evidences : 

October 11, 1863, Col. Badger, commanding the Fourth 
Florida, addressed a letter to the commanding officer, asking a 
transfer from Stovall's Brigade to Trigg's Brigade, for the pur- 
pose of consolidating with the Seventh Florida — both regi- 
ments being much depleted. Gen. Bragg referred the applica- 
tion to Gen. Stovall, who endorsed thereon as follows : 

" Headquarters, Stovall's Brigade, 

October 17, 1863. 
" Disapproved. My brigade is already very small, having a total effective 
force of but 750, and this regiment, though small, is the best I have. 

M. A. Stovall, Brig. -Gen. Com." 

Subsequently (February 8, 1864), Col. Badger tendered his 
resignation, assigning the following reasons : " That I believe I 
can do more good for my country by volunteering in the ranks, 
and using a gun instead of a sword, and if allowed to resign in- 
tend joining Gen. John H. Morgan's command immediately." 
Upon which resignation Gen. Finley, his brigade commander, 
endorsed as follows : 

" Headquarters, Florida Brigade, 

February 8, 1 864. 

"Respectfully forwarded — Disapproved. Col. Badger is too useful an 
officer and too necessary to his command to be spared — an officer of superior 
qualification and of universal promise. I could only consent to part with 
him upon condition of his advancement to some position which would enlarge 
his command and extend the sphere of his usefulness. 

J. J. Finley, Brig.-Gen." 

His resignation was disapproved by all the intermediate com- 
manding officers, and the Secretary of War declined to accept 
it, and so he remained in command of his regiment till the strug- 
gle ended. If there be another man on either side who, from 
patriotic motives, sought to exchange a position of command for 
a place in the ranks, we have not heard of him. 

For some time he was head editor of The Pythian Record, 
which position he filled with honor to himself, and won many 
friends by his impromptu writings, among which we mention, 







<f^~£u&* ^Q^ 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT- BO OK. <\97 

"The Newsboy," "The Last Nickel," and the story, "Pythian 
Friendship." These pieces will live to be read when their 
author is " no more." The Colonel is an efficient member, and 
at present filling the C. C.'s chair of Daniel Boone Lodge, No. 2. 



CHARLES A. LEE, 
Grand Chancellor of Rhode Island. 

^pHE present Grand Chancellor of Rhode Island was born in 
Pawtucket, December 14, 1845, an d * s > consequently, not 
very far advanced on the shady side of thirty. Receiving 
the elements of a modern New England education, he graduated 
from the academy at Lonsdale at the age of eighteen, and imme- 
diately entered the office of the Gazette and Chronicle, in his 
native town, having, while a pupil at school, developed a strong 
liking and a natural taste for the art of printing, having con- 
ducted an "amateur" office of his own long before he finally 
adopted the business as his future calling. Working steadily, 
and mastering all details of the business, eleven years later, or in 
1875, ne became one of the editors and proprietors of the Ga- 
zette and Chronicle, one of the most influential of New England 
weekly journals, to which he had long been a contributor. Pos- 
sessing a good name and reputation, and wielding a ready and 
graceful pen, he has steadily, and without studied effort, built 
up a local fame that may, with naught to mar it in the future, 
enlarge and expand far beyond its original local sphere. 

When Eureka Lodge, No. 5, was instituted at Pawtucket, he 
was among the earliest accessions to its ranks, and was the unan- 
imous choice of its members for the highest position in their 
gift for the succeeding term. The following year he was again 
elected Chancellor, faithfully serving his Lodge for a second 
term. When Ivanhoe Lodge, No. 16, an offshoot of Eureka, 
was formed, in February, 1874, he was chosen to fill the chair, 
and performed his duties for the term in an acceptable manner. 
At the annual session of the Grand Lodge in February, 1875, 
42* 2G 



498 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

he was the almost unanimous choice for Grand Chancellor, hav- 
ing previously served in the offices of Grand Vice Chancellor and 
Grand Master-at-Arms. His elevation to the high office was 
brought about by no means on his part, unless it was a faithful 
discharge of his duties in all other offices which he had pre- 
viously filled. His re-election to the chair at the last annual 
session of the Grand Lodge was a most flattering confirmation 
of his first year's work, and was all the stronger from the fact 
that his two competitors were gentlemen whose names are well 
known all over the State, and especially in legislative and legal 
circles. 

In person, the Grand Chancellor is six feet one inch in height, 
of slim, but compact build, calm in demeanor and debate, re- 
tiring in manners, fearless in opinion, and of courteous and 
friendly disposition. A fair extemporaneous speaker, he pos- 
sesses the merit in speaking, as well as in writing, of condensing 
his thoughts, presenting his subject clearly, and, speaking always 
to the point, of never tiring his hearers. A thorough hater of 
" rings " and " cliques," firmly opposed to electioneering in the 
Lodges, the Order in this State has no more faithful advocate of 
its principles, no stronger defender of its rights, and no more 
consistent and conscientious servant than its present Grand 
Chancellor, the subject of this brief biographical sketch. 



HON. P. S. WREN, 

Grand Chancellor. 

THE present Grand Chancellor of the "Lone Star State," is 
a native of Powhatan county, Virginia. He emigrated from 
the "Old Dominion " to Texas in 1867, since which time 
he has resided in the city of Galveston. 

He joined Island City Lodge, No. 2, in the fall of 1872, and 
soon passed the Chancellor Commander's chair, and represented 
his Lodge in the Grand Lodge for two successive terms. At the 
session of the Grand Lodge, in 1875, ne was honored with the 




J^p fl(ltiirU«UL i 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 499 

highly responsible position of Grand Keeper of Records and 
Seal. He filled this post of honor until April, 1876, with great 
credit. Was elected Grand Chancellor in April, 1876, for the 
term commencing April, 1877. 

In every relation of life he is esteemed as a reliable and trust- 
worthy citizen, and is regarded as an excellent representative of 
the Pythian fraternity. He is now the efficient K. of R. and 
Seal of his subordinate Lodge, and D. D. G. C. for his district. 
He has done noble service in his own State, and has made a 
record of which any Knight may well be proud. 



ALEXANDER ALLISON, 
Past Grand. Chancellor and Supreme Representative, 

WAS born in Sumner county, Tennessee, May 15, 1840, 
of wealthy and highly influential parentage, his mother 
being a sister to the late Hon. Andrew J. Donelson, at 
one time Minister to Prussia, and afterwards candidate for the 
Vice -Presidency on the Fillmore ticket. Received thorough 
academic instruction, and was thereafter graduated with great 
credit in both the collegiate and law departments of Cumber- 
land University, Lebanon, Tenn., an institution which numbers 
among its alumni many of the most prominent men in the 
Middle and Southern States. Was admitted to the bar in the 
early part of 1861, but, when hostilities between the sections 
began, very soon thereafter entered the Confederate army, and 
rose to the command of a battery of light artillery, under Gen. 
John H. Morgan, and was near that celebrated " Wizard of the 
Saddle " when he was killed at Greenville, Tenn., September 4, 

i874. 

At the close of the war he located at Huntsville, Ala., and 
began the practice of law. In 1869, reasons of a private nature 
led to a removal to Knoxville, Tenn., where he at present resides, 
engaged in the warehousing and commission business. Became 
a member of Holston Lodge, No. 1, K. P., within a few weeks 



500 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

after its institution at Knoxville, in July, 1871, ; was elected one 
of its initial Emeritus Past Chancellors ; took part in the organ- 
ization of the Grand Lodge of Tennessee, at Nashville, April 2, 
1872, since which time he has been continuously a member of 
that Grand body, either as a representative or a Grand officer. 

At the third annual session of the Grand Lodge of Tennessee, 
held at Nashville, in February, 1874, was elected Grand Chan- 
cellor by a most complimentary vote ; at the session of 1875 was 
elected Supreme Representative for one year, to fill out the un- 
expired term of S. R. Thos. S. Jukes, and at the session of 1876 
was re-elected Supreme Representative for two succeeding years. 
Attends punctually the meetings of his Subordinate Lodge ; has 
always been a zealous and enthusiastic member of the Order, and 
is devotedly attached to its great tenets of Friendship, Charity, 
and Benevolence, and in advocacy thereof has addressed with 
great effect large audiences on various occasions in Tennessee 
and elsewhere. 

Brother Allison has always evinced a decided penchant and 
aptitude for the military profession, and seems to be an intuitive 
master of tactics ; at an early day purposes preparing or arrang- 
ing a manual (with Upton as a basis) for the use of the Order of 
Knights of Pythias. Was elected, May 11, 1875, captain of the 
"O' Conner Zouaves," one of the finest military organizations in 
the State, and March 6, 1876, was honored by Gov. Porter with 
an appointment on his staff, with the rank and title of brigadier- 
general. 



IN MEMORIAM. 

SAMUEL H. HINES, 

The Pythian Martyr. 

" Green be the turf above thee" 

ANY worthy " Knight of Pythias," who acts well his part in 
life, is deserving of a tribute to his memory and virtues 
when death removes him from the companionship of his 
brother Knights to " the house appointed for all the living " — 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 501 

the silent, solemn house of the grave. But one who signally 
illustrates in his death the principles of the Order, is especially- 
deserving of eulogy and praise, and his illustrious example should 
be commemorated and perpetuated in portrait, statue, epitaph, 
and record, as a standing testimonial to his virtues and heroic 
qualities. 

Samuel H. Hines merits all that can be said of the moral hero, 
the brave Knight, the Pythian friend. When the fated Spots- 
wood Hotel was wrapped in the winding sheet of lurid flame, on 
the morning of December 25, 1870, and its passages, rooms, and 
stairways were filled with dense clouds of suffocating smoke, 
Captain Hines made his way through all, to a point where he 
was safe, and might have escaped with his life, unharmed. But 
personal escape from danger was not his object ; he was seeking 
aid to enable him to rescue his friend, who was high up in the 
hotel. Failing to enlist assistance, despite remonstrance, he 
rushed back with the heroic purpose to save that friend, or per- 
ish in the effort. This was the last of that noble young man. 
■ He and his friend, Erasmus W. Ross, a brother Knight, perished 
together. 

In this noble deed we have embodied and illustrated in living 
example a friendship unsurpassed by anything described by the 
pen of fiction, or depicted in dramatic art. This is no fiction ; 
no poetic fancy; no sentimental creation. Samuel H. Hines 
did not merely hazard life, but really died to save his friend. It 
is an honor and a privilege to have known such a man, or to 
have lived in an age made bright by such an example. All 
honor to the name, the virtues, the friendship, the moral hero- 
ism of Samuel H. Hines. 

He was born in the town of Milton, North Carolina; served 
as a soldier in the late Confederate war; passed through all 
the fortunes of the soldier in that hard and painful service, and 
was for a long time a prisoner. He was quiet, but brave. His 
record as a soldier is without a blemish. 

After the war he engaged in mercantile pursuits in the town 
of Danville, Virginia ; he was burnt out, losing everything, and 
only escaped with his life by jumping from a window. The 



502 THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

last three years of his life were spent in Richmond, Va., where, 
by the urbanity of his manners, the integrity of his life, the sin- 
cerity of his friendships, and the genial, generous sunshine of his 
noble, manly nature, he endeared himself to all who made his 
acquaintance. The death of such a man is a public calamity. 
It is not enough for the universal brotherhood of Knights to ap- 
propriate such a distinction for one of its members. Let human- 
ity share with us this exalted privilege ; let the world know that 
the fabulous Pythias himself did not surpass, in his devotion to 
Damon, one who lived in our own day ; in our own midst ; who 
bowed at our own altar, our own Samuel H. Hines ! Thank 
God ! it is not all a calamity ; not all a disaster ; not all a cause 
of sorrow ; not all an irreparable loss, when we remember that 
one of our own race ; of our own flesh and blood ; of our com- 
mon humanity, can display — nay, more, did display — such a 
heroic example as that which was made imperishable amid the 
charred and blackened ruins of the Spotswood Hotel ! It is 
well to have lived such a life ; it is nobler to have died such a 
death. 

Captain Hines was a member of the Old Dominion Lodge, 
Knights of Pythias, No. 4, in the city of Richmond, Va. 

At a regular meeting of the Lodge, held on Tuesday night, 
December 27, 1870, the committee appointed to draw up reso- 
lutions expressive of the feelings of the Lodge on the occasion 
of the death of this brother Knight, submitted the following, 
which were unanimously adopted by a rising vote, in silence 
and in tears : 

Resolved, That in the sudden and untimely death of our honored brother 
Knight, SAMUEL H. HINES, who lost his life in the heroic effort to save 
his friend, Erasmus W. Ross, a brother Knight, from the devouring flames 
that destroyed the Spotswood Hotel, in this city, on the morning of the 25th 
of December, 1870, this Lodge has sustained an irreparable loss; and that, 
while we bow in tearful sorrow to the inscrutable Providence that removed 
him from our circle, we nevertheless are cheered by the recollections that 
he illustrated in his death, as in his life, the exalted principles of our Or- 
der, and taught us by his sublime example that " it is sweet to die for those 
we love." 

Resolved^ That we will sacredly cherish his memory in our hearts, because 



COMPLETE MANUAL AND TEXT-BOOK. 503 

of his many private virtues, his great moral worth and excellence, his heroic 
qualities ; but, more than all, because he sacrificed his life on the altar of 

FRIENDSHIP. 

Resolved, That as a testimonial of our affectionate memory of his noble 
deeds and martyr death, we will wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty 
days ; and, as a further expression of our sadness and sorrow, that we will 
drape our Lodge in mourning, that we may be reminded in our business that 
" in the midst of life we are in death." 

It was ordered that the chairman of the committee be requested 
to prepare a brief sketch of the life and death of the deceased 
Knight for publication in our Pythian papers. 

JOHN E. EDWARDS, 



Richmond, Va., Dec. 28, 1870. 



Chairman of the Committee. 




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